Soldiers in Yehuda and Shomron do not have an easy life as they are constantly confronted by Arab violence, which at times is life-threatening. They operate under a media magnifying glass and are under constant criticism. Even the most experience combatant at times may have difficultly ascertaining the threat level, and generally speaking a soldier has milliseconds to make such a determination and respond.

In the latest wave of Arab violence and attacks, labeled already by some as the Third Intifada, fireworks manufactured in PA (Palestinian Authority) areas are being used to hurl at soldiers. The fireworks are hooked to a wooden stick and flung at soldiers, in a somewhat type of slingshot contraption. In addition to the dangers of facial and eye injuries along with fears of the incendiary device starting a fire, soldiers at times are having a difficult time determining if an explosive sound is gunfire directed at them or the new fireworks weapon.

Maariv cites a case from a year ago when soldiers thought gunfire was directed at them near Kalandia, and they returned fire, killing the perpetrator. The investigation revealed it was not gunfire, but fireworks. That incident resulted in modifying open-fire orders.

Earlier this week one of these fireworks devices was fired at an IDF post in the Hebron district. The entire post burned down as a result. It was determined that this caused the blaze in the IDF’s Ofarit Base in the Mount Scopus area of the capital last year.

This and the sharp increase in the use of firebombs in attacks against soldiers are making life for IDF personnel increasingly difficult and perilous. Soldiers are aware the open-fire orders do not work in their favor, and often, directed by a media outcry, soldiers pay a heavy price for responding to what they perceive is a life-threatening incident, which may later turn out to be fireworks.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)