Photo: Archive/Reuters
Photo: Reuters
IDF: Same treatment for Palestinian, Jewish rioters
Soldiers ordered to respond to Jewish stone-throwers just as they do to Palestinians - with riot control measures, Krav Maga.
Israel's security forces often find themselves in delicate situations that have led to harsh claims of racism and misconduct. But orders passed through the chain of command over the last year paint a different picture - one in which both Palestinian and Jewish rioters earn the same response.
"The command tells soldiers not to treat Palestinian or Jewish stone throwers differently," said a military source who expanded on the details of the order.
IDF Soldiers face Jewish settlers. (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
"In every case of Jewish attacks against Palestinians, the reaction has to be immediate," said the source, "And there are four red lines: One, damage to property or the body of a Palestinian; two, throwing stones at security forces; three, verbal violence against a soldier, police officer, or border police officer; four, damage to IDF property."
January 2014 (צילום: בצלם)
The order has been revised several times in the past, first appearing as a result of several incidents between right-wing activists and IDF soldiers. In many of these cases, soldiers stood by in instances of violence against Palestinians.
"We explain to combat soldiers that there is no difference between a Jewish and a Palestinian who breaks the law," said a senior officer. "There are no special regulations for firing on a Palestinian."
To that end, the command allows for soldiers to use riot control measure and Krav Maga techniques that are learned in training.
Over the last several years, Palestinians have produced clips of soldiers standing by while masked Jewish settlers throw stones at Palestinians.
