As reported in a TV program, military personnel have described a lawless situation in Gaza, where a breakdown of rules and ethical boundaries.
“If you want to shoot without restraint, you can,” a tank commander, the leader of a tank battalion, asserts in the documentary.
Several of the IDF soldiers who spoke remained unnamed while several spoke on the record. All highlighted the disappearance of the military rules concerning civilians.
Use of Non-Combatants
Those interviewed confirmed the common practice of human shields, opposing military claims. They gave particulars of forces shooting without justification on civilians hurrying to obtain supplies at aid stations.
“In basic training for the army, we all chanted ‘means, intent and ability’,” Capt Yotam Vilk states, citing the established rules of engagement.
“There’s no such thing as ‘means, intent and ability’ in Gaza,” he adds. “Those terms are never used. Simply suspecting someone of walking in a restricted area is enough.
Arbitrary Decisions
One military member, referred to only as Eli, comments: “Fatal outcomes don’t follow established guidelines. It’s the conscience of the commander on the ground that decides.
Under such conditions, the classification of who is an enemy or terrorist turns subjective, the soldier clarifies. “If they’re walking too fast, they’re suspicious. Slow pace is also questionable. They must be planning something.
Structure Destruction
Eli describes an event in which a high-ranking commander ordered military equipment to level a property in an area designated as safe for residents.
“A person was on the building top, drying laundry, when the commander determined he was conducting surveillance. He’s not a spotter. He’s hanging his laundry.
“Now, it’s not as if this man had binoculars or weapons. The proximate military unit was far removed. Without exceptional vision, spotting was impossible.
“The armored vehicle launched a projectile. The building half collapsed. The outcome was multiple fatalities and harm.”
Civilian Casualty Figures
Review of operational statistics showed that according to estimates of Israeli military officials, four-fifths of the dead in Gaza were non-combatants, a historic high for contemporary warfare.
Nearly seventy thousand people have been killed after hostilities commenced, and casualties still mounting notwithstanding a cessation of hostilities.
Official Statement
Through an official communication, the defense force declared: “The IDF remains committed to the rule of law and maintains operations following its statutory and moral duties.”
Leadership Impact
Several personnel questioned said they were influenced by the rhetoric of Israeli politicians and spiritual authorities implying that after the Hamas attack, every Palestinian constituted acceptable targets.
“You hear that all the time, so you start to believe it,” Daniel observes through the film.
The programme additionally presents indication that these perspectives were promoted by clerical members in the ranks.
Human Shield Protocol
The soldiers sharing experiences further validate ongoing accounts of the use of non-combatants as living barriers, a practice commonly called the “insect procedure”.
“The civilian is directed below ground. During underground travel, they document the layout.”
“Officers observed the effectiveness. And the practice spread like wildfire. Within days, all units adopted the practice.
Aid Location Events
The creators of the program spoke to an employee referred to only as an alias who was employed at humanitarian supply points.
He recounts a situation at an aid location where two young men were running in the general rush to get aid.
“Observers witnessed troops pursuing them. They kneeled and fired twice, leading to instant collapse,” the worker says.
Mental Strain
The program shows the emotional toll on several of the military personnel.
“I feel like they’ve destroyed all my pride in being an Israeli – in being an IDF officer,” the commander remarks. “All that’s left is shame.”
