[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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