Ben Gvir tells troops to shoot ‘terrorists,’ even if they don’t pose threat — a violation of army code

18 January 2024, 6:50 pm 35 Edit

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visits a Border Police base in the West Bank, posing with troops in undercover garb on January 18, 2024. (National Security Ministry)

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir urges officers to shoot at any “terrorist” they see, even if they do not pose a threat — a violation of the rules of engagement in both the police and the IDF.

“You have complete backing from me. When your life is in danger or see a terrorist — even if he does not endanger you — shoot. I have your back,” Ben Gvir tells officers from the Border Police’s elite Yasam undercover unit during a visit to a base in the West Bank.

“A hair on your head [harmed] is worth one thousand terrorists,” Ben Gvir says, according to a statement from his office.