IDF’s ‘less lethal’ sniper rifle credited with drop in fatalities along Gaza border

The Israel Defense Forces switched to a less deadly sniper rifle to reduce fatalities among Arab rioters.

By World Israel News Staff

On Sunday, Israel’s Kan 11 reported that there has been a significant reduction in the number of deaths during the weekly riots along the Gaza Strip border fence. According to the news outlet, one of the main reasons for the decline is the IDF’s transition to a ‘less deadly’ Ruger-brand rifle.

The news outlet didn’t explain how the rifle was less deadly and the IDF Spokesperson’s Office told World Israel News that it had nothing more to add to the Kan 11 story.

It is possible, however, that the IDF has transitioned to the Ruger Precision Rimfire rifle which is chambered in several small calibers, including a 22LR, 22 WMR or 17 HMR. These calibers are good for shooting small game, such as rabbits and squirrels and are less likely to kill a person.

Since the the less deadly sniper rifle has been put into action, 15 Palestinians have been killed – an average of two killed a month, Kan 11 reports. Whatever the exact rifle the IDF is using, it’s the same one used to suppress disturbances in Judea and Samaria, according to Kan 11.

The “Great March of Return” riots began on March 30, 2018 and have taken place each Friday since with varying degrees of intensity. Along with the riots, Gaza-based terrorists have launched incendiary kites and balloons into Israel burning thousands of acres.

Terrorists also continue to launch missiles at Israel, the last being on the evening of Nov. 29. Israel struck vacant buildings in response.

An uneasy cease-fire exists between Hamas and Israel and the IDF’s decision to switch to a less deadly rifle may be from a desire not to inflame tensions.