The IDF has significantly tightened its strike policy in the Gaza Strip, requiring every targeted elimination to receive the personal approval of IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, according to a report by Army Radio.

Until the beginning of this week, approval for such operations could also be granted by the head of the Southern Command or by a division commander, allowing targeted strikes to be carried out at a broader pace.

Under the new directive, however, the authority has been narrowed exclusively to Zamir, a move expected to substantially reduce the number of targeted strikes conducted in Gaza.

Israeli defense officials believe the change will have a direct impact on the scope of the IDF’s offensive activity in the Strip because of the new restrictions now in effect.

The effect of the policy shift is already visible in reports emerging from Gaza. According to Palestinian reports cited in the article, aside from a single strike carried out Monday at 10:00 p.m., no additional IDF strikes were recorded over the previous 48 hours.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)