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.