MK Tali Gottlieb Criticizes IDF Rules of Engagement After Deadly West Bank Attacks

Following two severe attacks in the West Bank over the weekend, Likud MK Tali Gottlieb sharply criticized the Israeli military's rules of engagement, the judiciary, and the media for allegedly endangering soldiers and ignoring Arab terrorism. In an interview on Sunday, Gottlieb condemned the current open-fire protocols, claiming they restrict soldiers and put their lives at risk. She urged soldiers to shoot terrorists in the head if they approach within two meters, calling this a reasonable measure rather than an extreme one.

Gottlieb also accused the Israeli media of focusing disproportionately on Jewish "price tag" attacks while neglecting violent acts by Palestinians in Judea and Samaria. She questioned the leadership of former and current defense officials, including former IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, for policies that she says embolden terrorists who mock Israeli soldiers for their reluctance to shoot.

The MK blamed the Israeli Supreme Court for limiting soldiers’ ability to respond to threats, citing rulings that prohibit firing even warning shots at demonstrators near the border. She described these restrictions as "stupidity" and "severe weakness." Gottlieb’s remarks come after two deadly incidents: a shooting attack near the Gilad Farm on Friday that killed two Israeli soldiers, including Lt. Col. Yuval Ezra and reservist Benyahu Malat, and an arson attack at "Derech Avraham" farm near Elon Moreh on Thursday, where two attackers stabbed a volunteer firefighter, causing serious injury.

Gottlieb said conversations with soldiers over the weekend revealed deep frustration with the current situation and warned that as long as the rules of engagement remain unchanged, enemies will continue to mock Israel. She called on commanders and soldiers to act decisively to protect themselves and Israeli civilians.