Israeli soldiers fighting in Gaza this month were ordered to kill themselves rather than be captured, according to the Israeli newspaper Yediot Achronot. Troops were also told to kill any Israeli soldier they saw being taken by Hamas.
“No matter what happens, no one will be kidnapped,” the paper quotes one unnamed company commander as telling his troops before the battle began. “We will not have a Gilad Shalit 2,” he said.
Shalit, an Israeli corporal taken prisoner three years ago, is still being held by Hamas. The militant group is demanding the release of more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including hundreds convicted of terrorism, in exchange for him.
The newspaper quotes similar orders given in different field units which apparently reflect a new army policy. In the past, there were …