Israeli security forces will be permitted to fire live ammunition “to hit” if non-lethal methods cannot quell riots by Palestinians and “the troops are endangered,” Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin told the Knesset Wednesday.
Rabin listed the standing orders that apply to the Israel Defense Force and other security forces. He said the army has already concentrated large forces in the administered territories.
He said strong detachments will be sent to trouble spots at the first sign of violence to “nip it in the bud.” The troops will warn demonstrators to disperse and will allow them to disperse voluntarily.
Failing that, tear gas and rubber bullets will be used. If they are ineffective, warning shots will be fired into the air.
“If the troops are endangered in the course of performing their duties,” said Rabin, “they are permitted to shoot to hit the leaders (of the demonstrations) and at persons throwing flammable bottles (gasoline bombs). As far as possible, they should shoot at their feet.”
Rabin said there is “no limitation” on the military command’s resort to expulsion orders and administrative arrests against instigators of riots and ringleaders, provided due judicial processes are followed.
He said the officers commanding the southern and central sectors are empowered to impose local curfews for as long as they are deemed necessary. The army will have greater freedom to shut down “hotbeds of unrest” such as certain Arab colleges and high schools, the defense minister said.
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