IDF soldiers told to blow themselves up or kill their comrades rather than allow another Gilad Shalit
This is the consequence of the lopsided trade that Israel is about to conclude with Hamas for Gilad Shalit, There will be no more IDF soldiers captured by Hamas. Even if the IDF has to kill them itself. This is known as the IDF's Hannibal Protocol.
If you don't believe me, here's a video that was played on Israel's Channel 2 this evening.
Let's go to the videotape. A transcript follows.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvlP6yM15ws
"The strategic weapon, the "Judgment Day Weapon" that Hamas wants to acquire, is to capture a soldier.
But no soldier in Battalion 51 will be kidnapped at any price.
At any price. Under any condition.
Even if it means that he blows himself with his own grenade together with those trying to capture him.
Also even if it means that now his unit has to fire a barrage at the car that they are trying to take him away in.
There is no situation. No situation that they will have this weapon."
Golani Battalion 51 commander briefing his troops on the eve of their entry into Gaza during Operation Cast Lead.
Video report broadcast on Israel Television Channel 2 News 16 October 2011
UPDATE 1:04 AM
Aaron Lerner adds:
Let’s be blunt about it:
Thanks to the very lopsided prisoner swaps, the IDF policy today is to do everything possible to kill IDF soldiers who appear to be in the process of being captured by terrorists.
That’s right. Kill.
A prisoner trade would only take place if the IDF failed to kill the captured IDF soldiers first.
This is what every IDF soldier knows today when he is ordered to advance and engage the enemy.
Does this knowledge have a positive or negative impact on the performance of the IDF in battle?
One thing is certain: knowing that your own comrades will try to kill you if you get in trouble is a far cry from having confidence that the nation will stand behind you in your time of need.
The Israeli officials and media talking heads commenting on the Shalit deal in the coming days should not insult our intelligence by claiming otherwise.
http://israelmatzav.blogspot.com/2011/10/idf-soldiers-told-to-blow-themselves-up.html
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