The IDF - a model of morality in combat

Key Findings:

In the combat center of the Southern Command during active fighting in Gaza, a surreal spectacle unfolds. The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) takes extensive measures to be a highly moral army, adhering strictly to international humanitarian law and the laws of war. Those familiar with the field of operations and international law understand the complex challenge the IDF faces in densely populated conflict zones, despite the Secretary-General of the United Nations’ criticisms.

The IDF so diligently follows its duty to protect Israeli citizens while complying with the laws of war that it is regarded as one of the world's most moral armies. This is a formidable operational and legal challenge, as airstrikes and ground strikes (especially in Lebanon and in Gaza) are unavoidably conducted within civilian-populated areas.

Enemies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad brutally exploit civilian infrastructure, using schools, hospitals, and private homes as military bases to deliberately endanger civilians. This allows them to exploit images of civilian casualties for propaganda purposes. Meanwhile, they launch indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israeli civilians with the aim to kill as many as possible.

To address this challenge, the IDF employs top-notch lawyers, both in regular service and reserves, to ensure compliance with international legal standards during combat. This legal oversight not only upholds the rule of law but also bolsters the IDF's operational legitimacy, countering baseless war-crime accusations.

The laws of war do not guarantee the prevention of civilian casualties. They do, however, require proportional military action. Civilian casualties increase in the context of Israel’s enemies exploiting the laws of war, but the IDF's actions remain proportional and reasonable in its efforts to halt criminal attacks on Israel while upholding its moral standards.