The government's Legal Advisor, Gali Baharav-Miara, withdrew her consent to bring the proposed change in the open-fire regulations to a vote in the government. This change was supposed to be voted on today (Monday) by the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Miara's decision to retract her consent came after Minister Benny Gantz pressured not to bring the proposed changes to a vote, in the face of a public campaign by the left.
According to the proposal, to which the Legal Advisor initially agreed, but eventually withdrew her agreement, in the case of multiple incidents involving roadblocks for military convoys or a siege on a civilian settlement preventing medical treatment for its residents, there would be a relaxation of the open-fire regulations. This would allow the district commander to approve the use of live fire aimed at the legs.
The Legal Advisor, as mentioned, agreed to the above change last Thursday. However, in recent days, there has been pressure from left-wing organizations criticizing Minister Ben-Gvir for allegedly making things easier administratively.
Last night, the government secretaries informed Minister Ben-Gvir that Minister Gantz opposes the proposal, and it has been postponed as a result. Consequently, the Legal Advisor withdrew her initial approval, so the Prime Minister decided not to bring the proposal to a vote.
Sources close to Minister Ben-Gvir today stated that the "concept group" has influence within the Security Cabinet and thwarts any significant change. What is preventing riots such as those occurring during the 2021 Operation Guardian of the Walls today is the determined activity of the Israeli police, which deals with any Arab incitement with a heavy hand. In the case of a total war, it is necessary to provide the police with the tools to address the most extreme situations effectively.
