Israel’s Cabinet held an extensive discussion Sunday on the recent wave of terrorist attacks in Judea and Samaria, with several ministers calling for a far more aggressive military response, including changes to the IDF’s rules of engagement and a renewed policy of targeted killings.

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz opened the discussion by briefing ministers on the military’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign throughout the region.

“We have carried out operations in the refugee camps, and we will probably have to conduct more. The IDF is operating on the ground, sweeping through the area, making arrests, and acting decisively,” Katz said.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch argued that current combat directives are no longer adequate. “We must change the rules of engagement,” he said.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir urged an even more forceful approach, calling for the resumption of targeted eliminations and broader authority for Israeli troops confronting terrorists.

“We must return to targeted killings, change the rules of engagement, and allow IDF soldiers to open fire in incidents like these.”

Deputy Defense Establishment Comptroller Brig. Gen. Yogev Bar Sheshet cautioned that soldiers often face difficult split-second decisions because terrorists frequently operate among civilians.

“There is difficulty in incidents where terrorists and civilians are mixed together. During such confrontations, soldiers do not always know who is a terrorist and who is a civilian.”

Economy Minister Nir Barkat suggested a graduated use of force, saying security personnel should first attempt to separate terrorists from civilians before escalating.

“It is possible to distinguish between them. First fire warning shots into the air, and then at their legs.”

Minister Ze’ev Elkin also called for stronger military action, declaring, “There must be a harsher response,” while Deputy Minister Almog Cohen argued that Israel’s retaliation should be overwhelming. “A disproportionate response is required,” he said.

Minister Amichai Chikli likewise called for revisions to the military’s operational directives.

“The commander of the Central Command must change the rules of engagement.”

Ben Gvir concluded by repeating a position that has previously drawn legal challenges against him, saying his comments should reflect official military policy.

“Just two days ago they again asked the court to remove me from office because I said it is better for a thousand terrorists to die than for a single hair on the head of a Border Police officer to be harmed. That should also be the IDF’s policy.”

{Matzav.com}