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IDF Authorized to Make "Initiated Operations" Against Palestinians
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has been authorized to take greater "initiated operations" in battling Palestinian gunmen in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Israel Radio reported Monday.
The IDF will employ special units in missions against specific "point targets," and all operations in the future will need to be approved at the government level, the radio quoted a military source as saying.
Citing security reasons, the source refused to give more details about the "initiated operations" that the IDF plans to take.
But the "initiated operations" will most likely be carried out by elite IDF troops, such as undercover units and others, to be accompanied by a lighter presence at non-violent Palestinian demonstrations, with the intention of reducing Palestinian casualties, the source added.
The operation plan, or called new IDF strategy, has been approved by Chief of General Staff Shaul Mofaz on Sunday following a daily assessment of the new situation.
The IDF is to assume a more aggressive policy to pinpoint those Palestinians responsible for scattered gun battles and violent demonstrations, the source said.
Traffic into Israel's main urban centers has been extremely slow on Monday due to strict checks of incoming vehicles by the police.
Police have set up roadblocks in different parts of the country in an effort to foil terrorist attacks after reports that terror cells have entered Israel and are planning attacks.
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