The IDF has recently made significant changes to its protocols regarding opening fire in Judea and Samaria, specifically aimed at addressing the security challenges posed by terrorists attempting to breach the perimeter fence. This alteration in procedures reflects a more aggressive stance in dealing with potential threats.
Following a "Day of Rage" held in Judea and Samaria, which occurred a few days after the massacre by Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip area, the IDF responded assertively to disturbances, particularly those initiated by Palestinians. During these events, the IDF resorted to lethal force against several terrorists attempting to breach the perimeter fence near Tulkarm.
מחבלים פתחו באש מרכב חולף לעבר רכב ממוגן של מועצה אזורית שומרון סמוך לראס כרכר.
— חנן גרינווד (@hanan_green) October 24, 2023
הנהג השיב באש והרכב הפלסטיני התהפך. המחבל שנהג ברכב נהרג. מחבל נוסף נפצע קשה.
פלסטינים הצליחו להבריח את גופתו של המחבל לתוך הכפר טרם הגעת כוחות הביטחון. אין נפגעים ישראלים בפיגוע.
בתמונה: רכב… pic.twitter.com/6tGHuAOnMV
According to Palestinian sources, the IDF has indeed altered its procedures in a fundamental way, indicating a willingness to use lethal force against those approaching the fence or doing any activity deemed suspicious by the nearby IDF forces. A message distributed in Arab groups, later translated into Hebrew, cautioned that "Going out today to sympathize with our brothers in Gaza is a life risk. The occupying forces do not show any patience or proportionality; there have already been a large number of incidents of live fire directed at people who just approached the fence - this is something we have never seen."
While officials within the IDF acknowledge a policy change, they refrain from providing detailed explanations due to security considerations. It's important to note that the IDF has consistently emphasized that the conflict with Hamas extends beyond Gaza and encompasses the West Bank, where it is pursued with a high degree of aggressiveness.
Brigadier General Avi Bloth, commander of the Judea and Samaria division, emphasized the gravity of the situation during a recent meeting with security officers and council leaders in the region. He made it clear that the IDF views this as a war against Hamas and other extremist elements. The primary focus remains on defense and ensuring the safety of residents, and the IDF's approach is characterized by an aggressive stance aimed at countering terrorism effectively.
הלווית 10 מתוך 13 ההרוגים הפלסטינים בעימותים במחנה נור-שאמס, טולכרם, ביומים האחרונים.
— Asslan Khalil (@KhalilAsslan) October 20, 2023
בין ההרוגים מדווחים על 5 ילדים הרוגים. pic.twitter.com/IwDqxX3B4o
In his words, "We are at war against Hamas - ISIS. Our first consideration is first of all defense, and we will do everything to maintain the safety of the residents, especially in these difficult days. Open discourse is important, and only together will we win! We are aggressive; we don't contain events but destroy them, and beyond defense, we act in a significant way to thwart terrorism. We took off the gloves in our war with Hamas."
