References
1.
Primary Sources
IDF Code of Ethics: Found on the IDF’s official website.
2.
Geneva Conventions (1949)
Provide the legal framework for distinguishing between combatants and civilians.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), established in 1948 following the creation of the State of Israel, is the official military force of Israel. Its formation merged paramilitary groups such as the Haganah, Irgun, and Lehi into a unified national defense organization.
The IDF was created to protect the newly established State of Israel from external threats and internal challenges. Its defensive posture has been a central part of its identity and public relations narrative. The IDF's slogan, “To defend the existence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of the State of Israel,” emphasizes its role as a protector.
The IDF was pivotal in ensuring Israel’s survival during its War of Independence against surrounding Arab nations.
the IDF also assumed a role in administering and enforcing occupation in Palestinian territories, particularly in the West Bank and Gaza.
Beyond defense, the IDF engages in counter-terrorism, border security, intelligence gathering, and maintaining control over the occupied Palestinian territories. It also conducts operations outside Israel, such as in Syria, Lebanon, and Iran, citing threats from groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran-backed forces.
Critics and human rights organizations argue that the IDF's actions often extend beyond defense, contributing to systemic oppression and violations of international law, particularly in its treatment of Palestinians and its conduct during military operations.
Critics claim that the IDF enforces policies that maintain Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, including the construction of settlements, restrictions on Palestinian movement (e.g., checkpoints, roadblocks), and home demolitions. Reports by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch label these actions as forms of apartheid, violating Palestinian rights to self-determination and equality.
The IDF has been accused of using disproportionate force during conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank, leading to significant civilian casualties. Example: In the 2014 Gaza War (Operation Protective Edge), over 2,200 Palestinians were killed, the majority civilians, compared to 73 Israeli casualties. The IDF claimed it targeted Hamas militants, but critics argued the civilian toll demonstrated a lack of regard for proportionality under international law.
While the IDF portrays itself as defensive, critics highlight its preemptive strikes, targeted assassinations, and blockades as offensive actions that exacerbate conflict. Example: The blockade of Gaza, enforced since 2007, is viewed by critics as collective punishment that cripples the region's economy and causes widespread humanitarian suffering.
Allegations of human rights violations include arbitrary arrests, the use of administrative detention (without trial), and the targeting of journalists, medics, and children. Organizations like B’Tselem have documented incidents of abuse and extrajudicial killings by IDF personnel.
Mandatory conscription for Jewish citizens (and some Druze) has been criticized for embedding militarism into Israeli culture. Critics argue that this fosters a societal normalization of occupation policies and dehumanization of Palestinians.
The IDF emphasizes its role as essential for Israel's survival, citing a history of existential threats from neighboring countries and non-state actors like Hamas and Hezbollah. Israel points to its security concerns, such as suicide bombings during the Second Intifada, to justify IDF operations.
The IDF frames its actions as necessary to combat terrorism, particularly rocket attacks from Gaza and the threat of infiltrations into Israeli territory.
The IDF promotes its "Code of Ethics," including principles like the Purity of Arms (ensuring minimal harm to civilians). However, the application of this code is contested by critics.
The IDF highlights its humanitarian efforts, such as the delivery of aid to Gaza (despite the blockade) and its medical fieldwork during natural disasters globally.
Organizations like The International Criminal Court (ICC) have launched investigations into alleged war crimes committed by the IDF, particularly in Gaza. Reports by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch describe the IDF’s actions as violations of the Geneva Conventions.
Palestinian groups and international activists highlight the civilian toll of IDF operations, using campaigns and reports to challenge the defensive narrative. Example: The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement frames the IDF’s role in enforcing occupation as central to its campaign
Videos and testimonies shared by Palestinian civilians and NGOs like Breaking the Silence (an organization of former Israeli soldiers) detail abuses and question the IDF’s adherence to its ethical principles.
The UN has repeatedly criticized the IDF for excessive use of force and its impact on civilians, particularly during operations in Gaza.
IDF Code of Ethics: Found on the IDF’s official website.
Provide the legal framework for distinguishing between combatants and civilians.
"Israel's Apartheid Against Palestinians" (2022).
"A Threshold Crossed: Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution" (2021).
The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine (2006): Documents the IDF’s role in Palestinian displacement.
)
The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine (2020): Examines the broader historical context of IDF actions.
)
B’Tselem: "This is Apartheid" (2021). Breaking the Silence: Testimonies of former IDF soldiers.
The Gatekeepers (2012): Features interviews with former heads of Shin Bet (Israeli internal security service), offering insights into the IDF’s strategies.
The IDF represents a cornerstone of Israel's statehood and defense narrative, portraying itself as a necessary guardian against existential threats. However, critics argue that its actions often extend beyond defense into systemic occupation and violations of Palestinian rights. The debate around the IDF highlights the complexities of balancing national security with adherence to international humanitarian law and human rights principles.
