JERUSALEM (JTA) — The Israeli military is training settler security squads, and will arm them with tear gas and stun grenades, ahead of the Palestinian statehood vote at the United Nations, Haaretz reported.
Concerned about possible clashes between settlers and Palestinian protesters in the wake of the late September vote at the General Assembly, the Israel Defense Forces has begun training the chief security officers of West Bank settlements in recent weeks. The Haaretz story did not say what the trainining involved.
The settler training is part of the IDF’s preparations for Operation Summer Seed to have the military ready for possible Palestinian mass protest and violence, according to Haaretz, citing a document obtained by the daily newspaper.
The document showed that the IDF has determined a red line for each Jewish settlement, which when crossed indicates when soldiers will be ordered to shoot at the feet of Palestinian protesters, Haaretz reported.
The military is anticipating “marches toward main junctions, Israeli communities and education centers; efforts at damaging symbols of [Israeli] government," according to the document. The military also is preparing for shooting from demonstration participants and terrorist attacks.
