IDF opens fire on Hamas sniper in northern Gaza for first time under new directives

The IDF opened fire on a Hamas sniper in the northern Gaza Strip for the first time since new directives took effect, eliminating an immediate threat. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, August 11, near the yellow line. This is the first case where eliminating an immediate threat did not require the approval of the Chief of General Staff, unlike targeted killings.

On Tuesday, August 11, soldiers of the IDF's 99th Division spotted a Hamas sniper near the so-called yellow line in the northern Gaza Strip and opened fire on him. A hit was recorded. This is the first time the IDF has reported eliminating an immediate threat under new directives from the political leadership, adopted amid the advancement of Trump's plan for Gaza. Unlike targeted killings, eliminating an immediate threat does not require the approval of the Chief of General Staff. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel opposes the plans of the Council of Peace regarding the Gaza Strip, but Council representatives said that in practice Israel cooperates with it. According to the new directives, the IDF has shifted from offensive operations to a response mode, and each operation must receive approval from the Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. However, since last week, an exception has been in effect: immediate approval is granted for strikes necessary to eliminate an immediate threat. This is the first report of an attack since the new directives took effect.