Jane's Defence Weekly

26 July 2001

The Palestinians get their orders: hand grenades, Molotov cocktails and suicide bombers vs US hi-tech

We follow up last week's exclusive story about the Israeli generals' recommendations for attacking the Palestinians with an exclusive report on the orders circulated to Palestinian commanders about fighting with the Israelis.

Both stories are deeply depressing. FOREIGN REPORT has had access to the translated version of an official Palestinian document circulated last week among the Palestinian commanders in the West Bank and Gaza with precise instructions on how to cope with an Israeli assault. What follows is a partial text:

Operational instructions

Thousands of Molotov cocktail firebombs should be prepared under the guidance of experts. Prepare hand grenades and explosive belts for hundreds of suicide youths who will be willing to confront the advancing enemy troops.

Preparations to block main roads with old cars, rocks and barrels to stop advancing Israeli tanks.

Warfare instructions

You must save ammunition. It is strictly forbidden to fire automatic light guns against tanks. Tanks should be attacked only with suitable weapons.

Forward positions should be established by fighters willing to sacrifice their lives to stop the advancing enemy.

[End of non-subscriber extract.]

-- Anonymous, July 30, 2001