Israel Matzav

How one elite IDF combat unit is spending October

Four years ago, the IDF was roundly and justifiably criticized for being unprepared for war. One of the reasons that happened was that the soldiers were too busy doing riot control in Judea and Samaria to train properly.

If that charge was correct, then this video shows something even worse. This is how the Kfir brigade - the same elite combat unit whose conscripts once vowed that it would never be used to dismantle 'settlements' - is spending the month of October.

Let's go to the videotape.



That will sure prepare them for the next war, won't it? This is from the IDF spokesperson:

In coordination with the Civil Administration, the Israeli Police, and international non-profit organizations, Soldiers from the Kfir Brigade safeguard Palestinians during the olive harvest season in the West Bank.

As part of the preparations, Civil Administration officials met with their Palestinian counterparts, representatives from various villages in the region, and Palestinian olive oil manufacturers in order to coordinate a schedule for the harvest. In addition, Israeli security forces conducted security assessments and authorized the plan for the harvest, during which they will provide round-the-clock security.

The IDF and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) respect this mission with high importance and value, understand the cultural and economic significance of the olive harvest to the Palestinian people of the region, and will operate accordingly so as to allow for the harvest to occur.

For more information about the full initiative refer to this announcement.

All those soldiers deployed to protect an olive grove. What could go wrong?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 6:15 AM