IDF Snipers To Use Laser Designator in Riot Control

Israel is taking a number of steps to add to its non-lethal weapons inventory in anticipation of upcoming protests. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) expect violent demonstrations following Palestine’s declaration of statehood planned for September 20 at the United Nations.

Last month the IDF began downgrading the caliber of their weapons (from 5.56 rounds to .22) and adding more non-lethal weapons like impact rounds, the Jerusalem Post reported.

Israel has been criticized for deaths and injuries caused by rubber bullets in the past, but it’s the Israeli military’s addition of a new technology to its coutner-protest doctrine that has people talking now.

Field tested during protests along the Israeli/Syrian border, the IDF says the Amit laser designation system will help improve accuracy of IDF snipers using rubber bullets when trying to quell protesters.

During protests, snipers manned the Israeli/Syrian border to shoot rubber bullets at protesters to deter their crossing into Israel, but the snipers couldn’t get clear shots in some weather conditions.

Because the Amit can designate targets up to a kilometer away in any weather conditions, they began using the system to target protesters. Snipers aim the laser designator at the legs of a protestor, and then shoot for the laser.
http://www.securitymanagement.com/news/idf-snipers-use-laser-designator-riot-control-008952