The hidden IDF rules killing our soldiers

A high-ranking Israeli military officer who commanded combat operations in Gaza has dropped a bombshell, claiming that legal guidelines from the Military Advocate General are putting IDF soldiers' lives at unnecessary risk.

Colonel (Res.) Oren Solomon, who served as combat commander for the Gaza Division during the war, didn't hold back in a radio interview Sunday morning, telling Galei Israel that the military's legal advisors are handcuffing the army when it comes to protecting Israeli fighters.

"We Need to Separate Hamas from the Population - But Legal Won't Let Us"

Solomon laid out his frustration with what he sees as overly restrictive rules of engagement that prevent the IDF from effectively isolating Hamas terrorists from Gaza's civilian population.

"Military force alone can achieve results, but we need to combine strategy to shorten the timeline and reduce harm to our fighters," Solomon explained. "One key thing is separating the population from Hamas - not allowing civilians to stay, and if someone chooses to remain despite Israel's warnings, the responsibility is theirs alone. They risk having no supplies, we cut off water and electricity, and when they decide to leave, we'll let them."

But here's where it gets explosive: Solomon claims the military's own lawyers are blocking these tactics.

Secret Guidelines Never Made Public

In a stunning revelation, Solomon said the legal restrictions he's talking about have never even been published publicly: "We have to do these operations, but right now the legal guidelines - which by the way have never been released - and I know them from the inside, the guidelines from both the Military Advocate General and the Attorney General's office don't allow this."

The veteran commander painted a picture of an army constrained by its own legal advisors while soldiers pay the price on the battlefield.

Every Mother Needs to Know We Can Do More

Solomon's most emotional moment came when he spoke directly to Israeli families: "Every wife who sends her husband to reserves duty, every Hebrew mother who sends her son to fight, and every child whose father is fighting there - they should know that we can and must do much more to reduce the risk of harm to them."

It's a message that cuts to the heart of Israel's ongoing struggle in Gaza, where the IDF has faced criticism both for civilian casualties and for the length of operations.

A Commander Under Fire

Solomon's criticism comes with personal stakes attached. The former combat commander was removed from his reserves position last year without any explanation from the IDF. Making matters worse, he was also summoned for investigation by the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division.

According to the military, an investigation was opened against him on suspicion of serious information security violations. The IDF clarified that he wasn't arrested but was summoned for questioning and appeared as required, with the investigation still in its early stages.

The Bigger Picture: Legal vs. Operational

Solomon's explosive claims highlight a tension that's been simmering within the Israeli military - the balance between legal compliance and operational effectiveness. His suggestion that undisclosed legal guidelines are constraining military operations raises serious questions about transparency and accountability within Israel's defense establishment.

The timing of his comments is particularly significant, coming as Israel continues operations in Gaza while facing international scrutiny over civilian casualties. Solomon appears to be arguing for a more aggressive approach that would put greater pressure on Palestinian civilians to leave combat zones, while military lawyers seem to be pushing back.

Whether his revelations will lead to policy changes or further controversy remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the debate over how Israel conducts its military operations is far from over, and it's playing out in the most personal terms possible - the lives of Israeli soldiers on the front lines.

Colonel (Res.) Oren Solomon's investigation by military authorities is ongoing. The IDF has not responded to his specific claims about legal guidelines restricting operations.