IDF to reexamine rules of engagement following border clash.
By YAAKOV LAPPINIDF tank lebanon border 311 AP(photo credit: Associated Press)
The IDF is “reconsidering its attitude toward the Lebanese army” in light of last week’s deadly shooting attack on Israeli soldiers, The Jerusalem Post has learned.The IDF Spokesman Office told the Post that guidelines for opening fire along the Lebanese border were being reexamined.RELATED:Editorial: Attacked by LebanonPM issues warnings to Lebanon, HamasThe IDF has traditionally viewed the Lebanese army as a relatively neutral force that lacked the hostile intent of Hizbullah. But last week’s unprovoked attack on Israeli soldiers who were clearing a tree along the border, north of the fence but within Israel, which claimed the life of 45-year-old Lt.-Col. (res.) Dov Harari, a father of four, and the Lebanese Army’s failure to take action against the officer who ordered the attack, has dramatically altered the IDF’s perception of Lebanon’s army.Three Lebanese soldiers and a journalist were killed when Israel returned fire last Tuesday, using artillery and a helicopter gunship.IDF soldiers will likely face less restrictive rules of engagement if they find themselves under attack from the Lebanese Army in the future.
