Head of Ground Forces' Weapons Safety Unit sharpens directives – and emphasizes the danger to soldiers' lives

The head of the Ground Forces' Weapons Safety Unit, Colonel Yosef Penso, distributed a clarification document regarding weapon carrying and the use of the M4 carbine, following a News 14 report on weapon malfunctions during the attack at the Yehuda Junction. The document emphasizes commanders' responsibility to determine the weapon's status according to operational needs.

The head of the Ground Forces' Weapons Safety Unit, Colonel Yosef Penso, distributed today (Monday) a clarification and directive document regarding weapon carrying and the use of the M4 carbine, following publications in News 14 about malfunctions in soldiers' weapons during the deadly attack at the Yehuda Junction. The document details various carrying states, including unloaded weapon, weapon with magazine inserted, and loaded weapon with a round in the chamber, emphasizing that the M4 carbine is not intended for use in every situation. The head of the Weapons Safety Unit stressed commanders' responsibility for the safety of soldiers and the need to make clear decisions on the weapon's status according to operational needs. The attack occurred on October 23, 2026, in which Staff Sergeant Ron Yonatan Reutman and Sergeant Yuval Shai Soilem fell, and three soldiers were wounded. According to findings, two soldiers encountered malfunctions due to the M4 carbine during the battle.