What it is about
During the early hours of October 7, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops were instructed to prevent the abduction of soldiers by Hamas terrorists by any means necessary. Testimonies and documents highlighted the alleged implementation of the controversial “Hannibal Protocol,” aiming to prevent soldiers from being taken hostage, including potentially endangering their lives in the process.
Why it matters
This incident sheds light on the methods the IDF employs during extreme situations to protect its soldiers and civilians. The use of the “Hannibal Protocol,” although controversial and repealed in 2016, indicates the lengths Israel is willing to go to ensure the safety and security of its people versus falling into Hamas captivity.
The Big Picture
On October 7, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, breaching the border from Gaza and catching the IDF off guard. As the invasion began, the IDF’s immediate response included implementing extreme measures to avoid kidnappings.
Details
At 7:18 a.m., an attempted kidnapping of an Israeli soldier was observed near the Erez Crossing. Following this, command reportedly ordered “Hannibal at Erez,” deploying attack drones. Similar measures were taken at Re’im Camp and Nahal Oz, where a Hermes 450 drone reportedly intervened during engagements with Hamas militants.
Implications for Incidents Inside Israel
Orders resembling the “Hannibal Protocol” were extended to civilians, with instructions given to the troops ensuring no vehicles could return to Gaza, mitigating risks of transporting kidnapped individuals back. Yet, isolated tragic cases occurred, such as the fire from an Israeli helicopter that may have unintentionally hit vehicles with Israeli hostages.
Broader Context
In the tragic events of October 7, approximately 1,200 people were killed by Hamas terrorists, with 251 taken hostages, primarily civilians. As Israel fought back to regain control, tough decisions were made, including a command where a tank fired at a house in Kibbutz Be’eri to neutralize terrorists, resulting in casualties among hostages.
Ongoing Review
The IDF is set to present a thorough investigation into the events and actions taken on October 7. It’s crucial to understand that the “Hannibal Protocol” was formally repealed in 2016 to develop better-suited operational directives for the safety of soldiers in various challenging scenarios.
Conclusion
Despite the controversial nature of some of its measures, the IDF’s actions during the October 7 Hamas attack underscore Israel’s unwavering commitment to protecting its soldiers and citizens while facing unprecedented threats. Ultimately, the ongoing review aims to enhance military protocols to better protect Israeli lives in future conflicts.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.