IDF Officers Say Gaza Border Fire Rules Have Been Tightened

Gaza Division commander Brig. Gen. Liron Batito has ordered a change in how the rules of engagement are applied along the yellow line, according to officers on the ground who spoke to ynet. They said the change reflects a significant shift in recent weeks in how troops respond to Palestinians approaching the line or crossing it.

One officer serving at a post on the yellow line said that until now, battalion commanders had briefed troops that any adult who crossed the yellow line was to be shot with intent to kill. "This changed to a suspect arrest procedure that ends, at most, with shooting at the knees," the officer said.

The report does not say when the directive took effect, beyond noting that the change has been in place over the past several weeks. It also does not detail whether the revised rules were issued formally in writing or only conveyed through field instructions.