Change in Gaza Rules of Engagement: 'Ties Our Hands'

IDF soldiers in Gaza report a significant change in the rules of engagement over the past week, amid talks for a deal in the Strip. The soldiers say that a real threat that has not crossed the yellow line requires the Chief of Staff's approval, and that the Air Force has barely attacked in the last week. They describe a dramatic reduction in freedom of action and a feeling of being tied down.

IDF soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip report a significant change in operational directives and rules of engagement over the past week, as published in the main news edition. The change comes amid talks to move to the next phase of the plan in the Strip and concerns about harming a nascent agreement. The soldiers describe a reality where the attempt to lower the flames translates into a dramatic tightening of their freedom of action. One soldier said: "In the last week, something has changed significantly in the approach; they try as much as possible not to reach friction, especially on the yellow line." He added that "they don't want us to kill anyone," and speculated that this is due to the new ceasefire that took effect this week. According to him, more than a week ago there were different orders regarding the rules of engagement. The change affects the forces' sense of security and initiative, and the soldiers testify that instead of being proactive and offensive, they are busy maintaining the status quo. One of the main changes is the need for the Chief of Staff's approval to fire at a threat that has not crossed the yellow line, even if it is clear it will become immediate within minutes. The soldier described a risk: "At the decision distance of a platoon commander in Nukhba or a company commander in Nukhba, he is capable of doing things that we will have to be very aggressive about." In the past week, the Air Force has barely attacked in the Strip, completing the picture of reduced offensive activity.