06.04.2018 - 21:11 [ B´tselem - The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories ]

Why Israeli soldiers must refuse to fire at unarmed Palestinian protesters

(3.4.2018) Contrary to the impression given by senior military officers and government ministers, the military is not permitted to act as it sees fit, nor can Israel determine on its own what is permissible and what is not when dealing with demonstrators. Like all other countries, Israel’s actions are subject to the provisions of international law and the restrictions they impose on the use of weapons, and specifically the use of live fire. The provisions limit its use to instances involving tangible and immediate mortal danger, and only in the absence of any other alternative. Israel cannot simply decide that it is not bound by these rules.