Aviv Kohavi, IDF Chief of Staff, said last Monday, August 30, that the IDF will show no hesitation in more fighting if the violence along the border continues. During Monday’s ceremony honoring the arrival of the INS “Victory” warship to Israel’s Navy, Kohavi brought up the fact that the IDF has already started to prepare for another operation since the end of Operation Guardian of the Walls.
Kohavi said, “We have improved and are continuing to improve our capabilities in the Gaza Strip, as well as our operational activities.” The Chief of Staff continued, “If peace isn’t restored in the south, we will not hesitate to enter another round.” He added, “If it’s needed, I know the navy is prepared to take a central role, as it successfully took in Operation Guardian of the Walls.”
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Kohavi then addressed the Palestinians, stating their “reality could be completely different and their quality of life can considerably improve.” He concluded, “But that will not happen while terror attacks of any kind continue. Peace and security will allow for an improvement of civil conditions, but disturbances and terror will lead to a sharp response or an operation.”
According to Palestinian media, after approaching the security fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip, Palestinian youths were fired upon near Khan Yunis last Monday, August 30. The Gaza Health Ministry reported six Palestinians sustained injuries from tear gas, live fire, and shrapnel from IDF border clashes.
IDF Takes a Stand Against Rioters
The night before, there were riots by hundreds of Palestinians at the north Gaza – Israel border on Sunday evening. According to the IDF, the Palestinian rioters burned tires and threw explosives. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 15 Palestinians were wounded, but nothing serious.
On Saturday, August 21, hundreds of Gazans were armed with various weapons, including explosive devices, and began marching on the Israeli – Gaza perimeter fence, engaging with Israeli security forces. During the riots, St.-Sgt. Barel Shmueli, a border policeman, was shot and critically wounded by a Palestinian gunman. After spending a week in the hospital with multiple operations and surgeries, Shmueli died on Monday, August 30.
Tear gas and rubber bullets were used by Israeli security forces during the clashes with the rioters. During the engagements, the Gaza Health Ministry operated by Hamas claimed there were over 40 Palestinians injured. Hamas has been accused by the IDF of organizing the riots. The IDF also says they are preparing for similar riots in the future being planned and carried out by the militant groups in Gaza.
Defense Minister Benny Gantz Speaks Up
On Wednesday, September 1, Defense Minister Benny Gantz defended the Israeli government and military top brass against allegations that they were responsible for Shmueli’s death. Some believe restrictive regulations preventing security forces from firing back led to Shmueli being shot during the rioting.
“I want to stress that IDF soldiers have full support to act to neutralize all those who have the means and the intention [to harm them] and in accordance with protocols. The rules of engagement are determined by the military command alone, in accordance with the law and the operational need, and this is how it will continue,” the Defense Minister said.
Gantz continued, “The IDF deals with operations every day, every hour, and it is an organization with one of the best cultures of investigations in Israel and in the world. I trust the chief of staff, the head of the [Southern] Command, and all of the officials will know to learn the necessary lessons in the deepest [way] and [with the] utmost transparency.”
