An official IDF instructional video directs soldiers to avoid as much as possible shooting at female terrorists, introducing a list of exceptions and actions that must be considered before opening fire on an armed, murderous lady. The video was produced by the Samaria Brigade and distributed over the past two weeks among soldiers and commanders, according to Makor Rishon. It leaves no doubt that soldiers in the field are right when they complain that the IDF rules of engagement are confusing and even dangerous.
Noting the rise in terror attacks perpetrated by women, the video suggests that since the risk they pose is lower than that of male terrorists, and since the females’ death in action raises the Arab motivation for revenge (only we get to kill our women), “it would be much preferable to neutralize the female terrorist using early detection, Krav Maga engagement, and should it be necessary, suspect apprehension protocol.”
The video ends with a proviso saying soldiers should not take exaggerated risks and if necessary should not hesitate to shoot even a female terrorist. But this contradictory message is liable to cause even more confusion and hesitation, especially since some of the stabbing scenes shown in the video clearly suggest that pausing to assess and defuse the threat from a female attacker made things much worse for the Israeli victim.