Police criticize decision to send IDF troops into Tel Aviv after terror attack – report

An unnamed police official says they believe it was the wrong decision to send large numbers of Israel Defense Forces troops onto the streets of Tel Aviv to join the manhunt for the terrorist who carried out a deadly shooting attack.

“We did not expect such a large number of soldiers in this incident, nor did we ask for all these forces,” the source tells the Kan public broadcaster. “We could have done without the large forces that the military provided.”

The manhunt, which lasted for nearly nine hours, included at least 1,000 police and IDF reinforcements combing the area for the attacker. IDF special forces — including units from the IDF’s Sayeret Matkal and Shaldag units — were deployed to the city to help with the efforts.

Last night it was reported that police were furious with IDF troops for allowing media to tag along during searches for the terrorist who killed two and wounded several others when he opened fire at a bar on Dizengoff Street.

Police had repeatedly moved reporters and other civilians away from hotspots during the search, apparently for their safety and to allow security forces to operate more freely. Broadcasting security operations can also compromise them by giving information to bad actors.