Commander to soldiers: Never fire at Jews

A company commander in Golani's 13th Battalion instructed his soldiers that under no circumstance are they to fire at Jews ahead of a possible clash with settlers, Ynet learned Monday.

Following the raid on the Ephraim Brigade base last month during which one officer was lightly injured, former Defense Minister Binyamin Ben Eliezer advocated shooting at anyone who puts the lives of IDF soldiers in danger, regardless of religion or citizenship.

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On Thursday, a day after the security forces and Civil Administration evacuated the Mitzpe Avihai outpost, Golani soldiers were briefed by their company commander. "We're in for a rocky Saturday, so stay alert," he told the troops. "In any case, no matter what happens, let the world burn down for all I care, nobody opens fire at Jews! We don't want a civil war."

Golani base in Hebron. 'We don't want a civil war' (Photo: Yoav Zitun)

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said in response: "This was a briefing for an operation in which the IDF served as the third security element. The briefing was held in accordance with a reasonable threat evaluation and in keeping with fire protocol."

The officer apparently also ordered the troops to keep the base's gate closed in case Jewish citizens try to break in. "If there's a riot then we have crowd dispersal means with which to handle the situation. Remember that if a Jew curses you or calls you a Nazi then know that it's not personal and ignore it."

The Ephraim Brigade raid prompted the IDF to refresh procedure in cases involving Jewish rioters. The soldiers can use various crowd dispersal means such as shock and gas grenades and are  also allowed to forcefully detain rioters until they are turned over to the police.

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