MESOPOTAMIA NEWS : DAS ZIVILE ISRAEL = VOLL MILITARISIERT ! THE FULLY MILITARISED CIVIL ISRAEL

Seth J. Frantzman

9 Std. ·  31 March 2020 –  From the IDF (Israel military):

As of mid day of Tuesday, approximately 600 IDF commanders and soldiers from training bases will start assisting the Israeli Police to implement the Ministry of Heath’s and the government’s restrictions amongst civilians by performing patrols, isolating and securing areas, blocking routes and more.

The relevant troops underwent dedicated preparations to operate in civilian environments, led by the IDF Ground Forces and the Behavioral Science Department in the Manpower Directorate. The commanders and soldiers were introduced to the characteristics of the mission, the challenges it holds, analyzed possible scenarios and learned how to create common language and coordinate between multiple security forces. The operational protocols in civilian areas were clarified as well.

Each soldier will operate paired with a police officer and will wear a badge with Israel’s flag on it. Only commanders will carry weapons.

The IDF will continue assisting in the fight against the spread of the Corona virus within civilian areas as necessary, while following the Ministry of Health’s instructions.

Commander of the Golani Brigade training base, Lt. Col. Sivan Bloch, to his soldiers: “We trained you to fight against enemies in Lebanon, Syria, the Judea and Samaria area and Gaza. This time, you fight against a slightly different enemy- the Corona virus. We must perform this mission with the highest quality and in the most professional way we can. This is our duty. You are now in a civilian environment, Tiberias, Afula, Rosh Pinna. You are about to assist police officers preform their mission and your presence enables us to enhance the number of police officers and by that making sure that Israeli civilians follow the instructions. This is our part of the combat against the spread of Corona virus”.

Commander of the Border Protection Array training base, Lt. Col. Ido Saad*: “Following significant preparations over the past few days, we are ready to perform the IDF’s most important mission- defending Israel’s citizens. We will continue to operate as necessary to restore the civilian routine in the country as fast and best as we possibly can”.