BICOM

IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz yesterday rebuffed calls to ease strict rules of engagement in relation to the use of live fire in the West Bank.

There had been concerns raised recently in the Israeli media and among some politicians that IDF soldiers are left defenceless when faced with Palestinian rioters in the West Bank, with the use of live fire tightly restricted and closely scrutinised. Maariv reported two weeks ago that some soldiers had complained that their hands are tied when faced with West Bank rioting. Consequently, a discussion took place on the issue yesterday in the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee.

Chairman of the committee, Yisrael Beitenu leader and former-foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman criticised the status quo, saying “the current instructions coming down to the troops in the field is that in any case that a conflict arises, it is best to flee.” Meanwhile, former-Knesset speaker and Likud MK Reuven Rivlin also expressed concern that images of soldiers “retreating in the face of rioters… can’t go on.”

However, Gantz insisted that the current regulations remain in place, saying “We won’t ease the rules of engagement.” He told the committee that a change in regulations would be “irresponsible” and lead to heightened tensions. Gantz explained, “No one in the Knesset wants there to be a change of instructions that will lead to the unjust loss of many lives, not only from a moral standpoint, but because it can lead to an escalation.” He assured the committee that “Soldiers are briefed to be firm without letting go of the reins.” Gantz also threw his support behind Head of Central Command Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon, responsible for IDF activities in the West Bank, who declared his intention to reduce incidents in which live fire is used.