BY RYAN JONES, ISRAEL TODAY—
The Israeli army (IDF) has been busy procuring new weapons for its soldiers in preparation for the aftermath of the Palestinian Authority’s unilateral statehood bid in September.
It is widely expected that after the Palestinians petition the UN to recognize a Palestinian mass popular violence will break out against Israel.
If the UN votes to recognize “Palestine,” most Palestinians want their own armed forces to sieze territory from Israel, including eastern Jerusalem.
If the UN rejects the bid, Israel believes the various Palestinian terror groups will launch a new intifada (terrorist uprising).
In either case, Israel knows all too well how the international community will respond if the Jewish state uses deadly force to defend itself.
As such, the IDF is distributing weapons with reduced lethality to front-line units. Among these weapons is a new receiver for the standard-issue M-16 assualt rifle that allows it to fire 0.22 mm rounds, which are not lethal from long distance.
Israeli snipers will also be issued non-lead impact bullets that do not penetrate skin, but still deliver a painful blow.
The army is also preparing to deploy new non-lethal weaponry, including the “Scream,” which uses bursts of sound to disorient rioters, and the “Skunk Bomb,” which needs no explanation.
Despite Israel’s extensive and costly efforts to avoid casualities in the expected coming violence, precedent suggests that the international community will still find an excuse to blame Israel for the situation.
Bullets that just leave a mark and hurt? If they’re trying to kill you kill them. To hell with what the world thinks. It does no good if you end up dead.
Ryan, As one who has read and followed your insight for, I guess, some six or seven years….I can still say that when you present the facts, you Always give them with a Watchman’s heart. A Sterling quality—and rare indeed in our present age.
I read the article and I immediately thought of a statement that we have all heard for many, many years………”There is none so blind as he who cannot see….” Isn’t this statement appropriate for the world masses today. Israel always is the “gentleman.” They are not vile nor oppressive…….What other nation in the world, other than perhaps the United States is merciful (on most occasions) to her enemies. Are Israel and the U. S.’s mercies ever acknowledged? NO
The IDF and their families are in my prayers each day…I have been praying for them for years, and I have never missed a day praying for Gilad Shalit and his family……….
But the enemies of Israel Never show mercy! They only plot and plan their next dastardly deeds to hurt those whose only desire is to live in peace. The IDF should be the MODEL for military protocol throughout the world.
The Palestinians are mere “puppets” in the hands of evil dictators. Will the Palestinians ever understand……it seems to continuously appear that they are led blindly along….so I close by saying again: “There is none so blind as he who cannon see….” I personally believe the Palestinians way down deep realize they are being used, but they are afraid to stand against such powerful forces that drive them.
I always remember Sir Winston Churchill’s famous quote:
“Without Courage……all other virtues loose their meaning.” I don’t think there would be much worse than having to live with oneself and realize that they have played the coward over and over again. How can a person sleep the sweet sleep that our Creator imparts to those who keep HIS Ways UNLESS their lives produce good “fruit.”