Israel has implemented stricter oversight procedures for targeted strikes in the Gaza Strip, requiring personal approval from Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir before most targeted killings can be carried out, according to a security source.
The new protocol, put in place following a decision by Israel's political leadership to increase control over offensive operations, centralizes authorization authority that previously rested with senior field commanders including regional and division commanders.
The revised procedures do not apply to situations where Israeli troops face immediate threats in the field. Soldiers will continue to respond without delay to attacks or imminent dangers under existing operational procedures.
The changes specifically target preplanned strikes against individuals not posing an immediate threat, including monitored terrorist suspects. Only the chief of staff will now have authority to approve such operations.
The security source attributed the directive to Israel's political leadership and noted it comes amid ongoing negotiations with Hamas involving the United States and international mediators.
According to the source, the more stringent approval process is expected to substantially reduce the number of targeted killings in Gaza, a trend already visible in recent days as the pace of Israeli strikes has declined noticeably.