The Occupation Army Tightens Restrictions on Weapon Usage

Hebrew media has revealed that the Israeli occupation army has begun implementing a “weapon economy,” elevating the level of command authorized to approve the use of heavy weapons to a brigade commander.

According to a report by Haaretz newspaper, “The Israeli army has recently raised the command level authorized to approve the use of heavy weapons, such as shells, due to ammunition shortages and the global embargo on arms exports to Israel.”

The newspaper cited unnamed sources, stating that the army is now operating under a “strict arms economy.” In some instances, the authorization for using heavy weapons and ammunition has been elevated to the level of a brigade commander.

This directive does not apply to air defense systems like the Iron Dome or to forces under direct fire, according to the same sources.

The sources further noted that this policy aims to prioritize the use of military assets according to the objectives of the forces under Israeli high command. This responsibility, previously assigned to junior officers, is now in the hands of more senior leadership.

The occupation army has been applying this “weapon economy” policy concerning Iron Dome missiles since the second week of the war. However, the current state of ammunition stockpiles has forced the army to impose stricter regulations.

This development comes after the postponement of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s visit to the United States, where discussions were expected to cover, in addition to the attack on Iran, Israel’s need for weapons in light of the export embargo imposed by some nations.

In this context, Israeli security officials have expressed concern over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to delay the defense minister’s visit to the U.S., according to the newspaper.

Senior officials within the security establishment, speaking to Haaretz, indicated that Gallant’s scheduled meetings with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other senior officials in Washington were intended to discuss not only the attack on Iran but also Israel’s pressing need for weapon shipments.

The officials added that “the security establishment is deeply concerned about the supply of weapons to Israel at this time.”

It is worth noting that Britain, Germany, and Canada have recently imposed restrictions on arms exports to Israel.