Commentator and former senior military figure Hillel Bitton Rosen sharply criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz's statement that IDF troops have no restriction on operating in Lebanon to remove threats. In a social-media post Sunday afternoon, Rosen argued that soldiers are not puppets and that Israel must operate with full force around the clock to destroy the enemy, not merely remove threats, echoing his long-running campaign against what he considers overly restrictive rules of engagement.
Commentator and former senior military figure Hillel Bitton Rosen sharply criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz's Sunday statement that IDF troops have no restriction on operating in Lebanon to remove threats. In a social-media post shortly after Katz's remarks, Rosen wrote: "Pay attention to the terminology of Defense Minister Katz: 'There is no restriction on IDF soldiers to operate in Lebanon to remove threats.' Well, also in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv there is no restriction on them or on any civilian to open fire if there is an immediate life-threatening danger. What Israel Katz forgets, like Netanyahu and Zamir, is that our children and brothers are not puppets — they are the most precious thing. They must act to destroy the enemy, around the clock and with full force, not just 'remove threats'!" Rosen, a long-time campaigner against what he considers overly restrictive rules of engagement on the Lebanese front, has posted similar critiques multiple times this week. The exchange highlights the ongoing public debate within Israel over the scope of military operations against Hezbollah. Katz's original statement was itself a denial of restrictions, but Rosen's response frames the broader question of strategy. As The Zioneer reported, Katz said earlier Sunday that "there are no restrictions on IDF operations in Lebanon" and that there will be no withdrawal from the security zone. Rosen's critique is the latest in a series of similar statements he has made this week, pressing for a more aggressive operational posture. What remains open: whether Rosen's comments reflect a wider sentiment within the security establishment or remain a minority view, and whether the political echelon will alter its stated policy in response to such pressure.
- DevelopingHillel Bitton Rosen calls for lifting fire restrictions on Israeli troops in Lebanon
- DevelopingBitton Rosen: change to restrictive fire orders in Lebanon is a moral disgrace
- DevelopingBitton Rosen: commanders must raise a red flag over dangerous fire restrictions in Lebanon
- StrongKatz: No restrictions on IDF operations in Lebanon, security zone withdrawal not happening
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