IDF Chief Must Approve All Targeted Killings in Gaza Amid Policy Tightening

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have tightened their policy on targeted killings in Gaza, now requiring the Chief of Staff's direct approval for any such operation against militants who do not pose an immediate threat. Previously, approval could be granted by division or regional commanders. This change comes amid international pressure on Israel to move forward with a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

The new directive instructs forces to engage only in actions necessary to neutralize immediate threats, mirroring operational protocols used in Lebanon. This shift has already led to a sharp decline in IDF strikes, with only one attack recorded in the past 48 hours, the last occurring at 10 p.m. the previous day.

A senior Israeli official told N12 that the message to the IDF is clear: avoid risky operations in Gaza to prevent jeopardizing the ceasefire agreement. The international Peace Council, including Nikolay Mladenov and Arieh Lightstone, recently met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging Israel to halt attacks in line with U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point plan. The meeting was described as difficult, with Israeli officials affirming they will not retreat from their current stance or cease counterterrorism efforts.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Settlement Minister Ayelet Shaked have demanded Netanyahu stop the deployment of the international stabilization force (ISF) to Gaza, arguing the peace roadmap is based on flawed information and contradicts the goal of disarming Hamas. This follows U.S. President Trump's announcement of an agreement for Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza to disarm, which Hamas later denied.

The policy shift reflects Israel's balancing act between international diplomatic pressure and its security priorities amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.