Israeli Army Chief Acknowledges Discriminatory Killings of Palestinian Stone‑Throwers

*TL;DR: Israel’s central command chief says troops are killing Palestinian stone‑throwers at a level not seen since 1967 and openly admits the policy discriminates against Palestinians.

Context Maj‑Gen Avi Bluth, head of the Israel Defense Forces’ central command in the West Bank, made the remarks in a closed briefing that was later leaked to *Haaretz*. The comments came amid rising settler violence and a UN report that recorded 230 Palestinian deaths in the territory in 2025. Bluth, a West Bank settlement native, has not denied the leak, and the Israeli military has not responded to requests for comment.

Key Facts - Bluth said troops are “killing like we haven’t killed since 1967,” referring to the 1967 war that began Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. - He confirmed that 42 Palestinians were shot for throwing stones on West Bank roads last year, labeling the acts “terrorism.” - Bluth noted that Jewish settler stone‑throwers are not shot, and when a settler was wounded by army fire, the incident sparked a public “ruckus.” - He admitted the policy is discriminatory, pointing out that Palestinians live under military law with extended detention without trial, while Israelis are tried in civilian courts. - The general said soldiers may shoot suspected barrier crossers in the knee or below to create “barrier awareness,” citing “limping monuments” in villages as evidence of deterrence. - Bluth framed the rules of engagement as a survival tactic, claiming “if someone comes to kill you, kill them first is the norm in the Middle East.”

What It Means The admission signals an official endorsement of lethal force against non‑lethal protest actions, a shift that could increase civilian casualties and deepen legal disparities between Palestinians and Israelis. Allowing knee‑shots to deter barrier crossing institutionalizes maiming as a policing tool, raising concerns under international humanitarian law, which prohibits excessive force. The disparity in treatment of Palestinian versus settler stone‑throwers highlights systemic bias that may fuel further unrest. Observers will watch whether the Israeli government tightens oversight of the rules of engagement or faces increased diplomatic pressure as the West Bank’s security situation escalates.