Israeli army considers rubber bullets with sponge balls

The Israeli Army is considering the use of rubber bullets with soft "sponge balls" in confrontations with Palestinians in the West Bank, Tel Aviv-based TV Channel Seven reported on Monday. The army is considering such bullets with the range of 50 meters and less, which would pose no risk to life among Palestinian protesters, it added. This step is taken after much criticism by left-wing Israeli organizations, as well as by the international community of Israel's use of live and rubber bullets against Palestinian protesters, it said. The use of such bullets over the last few months caused the death and injury of scores of Palestinians, and most of the injured end up in serious condition. The Israeli military institution is gripped by much debate regarding the use of more force against Palestinians. This was especially a concern after broadcast of a video showing the retreat of a group of Israeli soldiers when Palestinians threw stones at them, causing great embarrassment to the army, according to local media. In a recent incident, a Palestinian aged 12 was shot with rubber bullet by the Israeli Army three days ago, on his way back from school in Al-Jalzone camp. He was left with a serious spinal cord injury.