Controversial Directive Allegedly Allows Israeli Military to Prevent Kidnapping by Any Means
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly authorized strikes on their own soldiers – and potentially civilians – to prevent them from being taken to Gaza by Hamas militants. This directive, known as the “Hannibal Directive,” allows soldiers to take the lives of their comrades in order to avoid capture.
Allegations of this directive were initially denied but have resurfaced following reports from Haaretz. On October 7, as Hamas militants raided Israeli military bases and settlements, the Hannibal Directive was given multiple times at various locations.
The IDF also saturated the border area with mortar fire and prohibited any Gaza-bound vehicles from returning. More than 1,100 Israelis were killed that day, with around 250 taken as hostages to Gaza.
One notable incident involved 13 hostages being killed by Israeli fire, which is under investigation. The Hannibal Directive was created after three IDF troops were kidnapped in 1986. Its details remain somewhat secretive, but reports suggest it prioritizes preventing capture over soldier’s lives, inspired by the Carthaginian general Hannibal.
This controversial protocol highlights the extreme measures taken to prevent kidnappings and the ethical dilemmas faced by military personnel.
While the IDF’s response to this situation remains under scrutiny, the Hannibal Directive underscores the complex decisions made in the face of wartime challenges.