By Yaheli Sa’ar, BaMachaneh – 2 Sept 2009
http://dover.idf.il/IDF/News_Channels/bamahana/09/033/04.htm (Hebrew)
IDF "Shock Vehicle"
The “Shock Vehicle” is outfitted with new systems to deal with disorder. In addition, it can remove obstacles weighing half a ton. As of next month, it will be put to use in all IDF West Bank units.
The new system will assist IDF soldiers in the West Bank to wrestle with roadway obstacles without leaving the armored vehicle. The “Shock Vehicle,” equipped with tear gas launchers, is designed to lead the convoy of vehicles during arrests or disturbances, assuring the progress of the other vehicles without exposing IDF soldiers to rocks or Molotov cocktails thrown at them.
Military sources hope that in the near future the “Shock Vehicle” will be equipped with additional advanced systems geared to dealing with disturbances and demonstrations, such as foul smell and noise emitting systems.
An IDF source stationed in the Occupied Territories stated that “in fact [such system] protects not only soldiers but also civilians participating in disturbances. When you are forced to expose the soldier in the field, you’re also required to protect him, therefore you may find yourself using certain methods to disperse demonstrations that could have been spared if the soldier had been protected, and all sides would have benefitted [from it]. When the vehicle can pass disturbances and obstacles of all sorts, a gang of youth placing a road barrier no longer presents a reason for the soldiers to get off the vehicle. When we’re safer, also those disturbing the order are hurt less.”
