Israel to allow soldiers to shoot Gazans at greater distance from border – report

Israel’s stepped-up response to violence on the Gaza border includes a green light for troops to fire at Gazans who are farther away from the fence than allowed until now, Haaretz reports.

The report says most ministers toned down their rhetoric at the nighttime cabinet meeting compared with their media statements, opting to wait for Friday’s expected demonstrations and for Egypt-led efforts to negotiate a long-term ceasefire before escalating the military’s response.

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman had sought a more dramatic decision, according to the report, but most other cabinet members criticized him for offering no practical plan.

Jewish Home party leader Naftali Bennett is said to oppose a full-blown ground operation inside the Strip for now, but has pushed for increased military measures.

Minister were ordered not to give media interviews on the matter, the report adds.