IDF explains enforcement policy in "Off Limits" Zone

Aaron Lerner Date: 29 December 2005

IMRA asked the IDF Spokesperson's Office if the IDF has the ability to
identify the movement of anyone into the "off limits" area that has been
declared by Israel in Northern Gaza as well as the ability to deal with them
on a individual basis, for example, first fire near them as a warning that
they should immediately leave the area.

The background of the question is that now that the "off limits" area has
been declared it is not clear why a considerable sum of money continues to
be spent on firing aimlessly into the area.

The IDF Spokesperson's Office confirmed to IMRA that the IDF has the
technical ability to identify the movement of anyone into the "off limits"
area that has been declared by Israel in Northern Gaza as well as the
technical ability to fire near them as a warning that they should
immediately leave the area.

The IDF Spokesperson's Office explained, however, that while the IDF will
act against individuals who enter the area in order to carry out attacks
that the IDF does not intend to act against "innocent civilians", for
example shepherds, who enter the area. The purpose of the target-less
firing into the area at this time is in order to discourage entry into the
area.

IMRA suggested that the failure to set a "no exception" policy regarding the
"off limits" area is an open invitation to the Palestinians to probe the
limits of the policy so as to facilitate the launching of Qassam rockets
under the cover of human shields.

The IDF Spokesperson's Office replied that it would not discuss how the IDF
would respond to specific scenarios.

A copy of the announcement distributed yesterday by the IDF to the
Palestinian population appears below.

===
From the Commander of the IDF

For your safety, read this announcement carefully and act according to what
it says.

The IDF is going to conduct increased army activity in northern Gaza Strip
against terrorist organizations that are responsible for rockets hitting the
area of Israel.

For your own safety you are warned to stay away from the areas designated on
the attached map, beginning on the 28/12 at 18:00 and until further notice.

Whoever does not follow these warnings puts his/her life in real danger.

You must know that the terrorist organizations have turned you into hostages
and human shields, and are against your own interests.

Commander of the IDF

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(Mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
Website: http://www.imra.org.il