[URL]http://www.jpost.com/Editions/2001/08/09/News/News.32213.html[/URL]

IDF loosens open-fire regulations
By Arieh O'Sullivan


TEL AVIV (August 9) - While the IDF has targeted key Palestinian figures responsible for the violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, it has also loosened its open-fire regulations for troops in the territories, virtually eliminating the restraint in effect since the June 13 signing of the CIA-brokered Tenet cease-fire agreement.

According to an IDF statement, the new regulations will allow troops to be more aggressive in their response to shooting attacks on soldiers or civilians. The IDF Spokesman said the move was made in light of the increased violence.

"In light of the increase in Palestinian acts of violence, and the sharp increase in the number of attacks lately, and out of the army's commitment to allow its soldiers to defend themselves when their lives are in danger, the rules of engagement were recently restored to their former status," the IDF statement said.

From now on, soldiers will be able to open fire when spotting armed Palestinians heading to an ambush or to lay a bomb, for example.
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War is a comin...  Soon, soon, soon...

I'm afraid that war is looming just over the horizon. And it looks like with the growing hatred towards the Arabs, some of the more militant orthodox jews may do something that everyone will regret. Namely to the Islamic structure that stands in the way of the rebuilding of the Temple of Solomon. The Dome of the Rock sits on the former foundation. It is like number two out of all Islamic holy sites. With all the terrorism lately, opinions could quickly swing 180 degrees and no more Dome.

If that happens, I'd expect to see the whole region erupt. It would be like leveling the Vatican in order to build a Buddhist temple or paving over the birthplace of Christ and installing a public restroom.