The IDF announced on Thursday 20 Marcheshvan that it is modifying its ‘open fire’ orders regarding flares and fireworks, which of late have become a favorite weapons of Arabs. Soldiers attack with these items may now open fire with live ammunition instead of limiting the response to rubber-coated bullets.

The IDF legal counsel in Yehuda and Shomron told commanders that in light of current realities, soldiers can use live ammunition against flares and the like because they do place soldiers in life-threatening danger.

To date the IDF viewed flares and fireworks as a weapon that can cause minimal injuries but now, it is being viewed as a life-threatening situation, thereby justifying the use of live ammunition.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)