Left-wing activists: IDF used excessive force in Naalin
Tristan Anderson, American national wounded in security fence protest, remains in critical condition. IDF: We fired in accordance with procedure for dangerous conditions. Activists: Army used forbidden gas canister
A demonstration was staged on Sunday in front of the Rabin army base in Tel Aviv by dozens of left-wing activists against what they claim is the security forces' excessive use of force against weekly Friday protests in Naalin.
The activists claimed that an illegal gas canister developed for dispersing crowds, and which was deemed forbidden for use by the military prosecution in 2001, was used during the protest during which Anderson was injured. They also maintained Anderson was shot at intentionally, and not hit by a stray bullet.
According to the activists, they have noticed a marked rise in the violence used against protestors since Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip.
The IDF Spokesman Unit responded to the claims saying, "Use of the Ruger ammunition (0.22) of this sort in Judea and Samaria is done in accordance with procedures for aggravated situations, within the exact same limitations as are placed on 'regular' live ammunition.
"It will be noted that these are not crowd dispersal tools, but ammunition for which obligatory regulations of live fire apply. The use of said ammunition, even in situations in which live ammunition can be used, is meant to limit the injuries of those being fired upon.
"Use of this accurate ammunition limits wounds and decreases the risk for fatal injury. Operational experience until now shows that using such ammunition indeed decreases the severity of wounds. Commanders in the field are briefed to adhere to the obligatory rules for using this type of ammunition. Briefing and refresher courses are integrated into training and operational activity."
