‘The world’s most moral army’

Published: 9 April 2016

Last updated: 4 March 2024

After the Hebron shooting by a soldier, on 24 March 2016, debate continues about the IDF and its rules of engagement. Of equal concern are responses from some Israeli leaders and the public.

I wrote the IDF Code of Ethics. Here’s my take on the Hebron shooting. - Asa Kasher - The Forward 06.04.16
No one incident, grave as it may be, indicates a widespread weakness… Nevertheless, the minister of internal security, several members of the Knesset and many participants in public debates took another view of the circumstances: Anyone who intends to kill or injure Jews as an act of jihad should know that he or she won’t come out alive. This is a wrong and pernicious view.

The truth about the Israel Defense Forces, 'The world's most moral army' – Amir Oren – Haaretz 03.04.16
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot is the latest in a long line of commanders to treat a desired ideal for the Israeli military as the reality... There is no state or military policy of extrajudicial executions. But the test comes in the attitude of the defence establishment and judiciary to exceptions to the policy. And this attitude – covering up past crimes by showing leniency – is no different in principle than the Palestinians’ current ‘revolving door,’ catch and release policy for prisoners.

Just 5% of Israelis say soldier who shot helpless Palestinian committed ‘murder’ – Dan Williams – The Forward 06.04.16
Opinion poll - 57% of Israelis think the soldier should never been arrested. Only 5% said they would characterise the shooting as murder. Asa Kasher acknowledges that the growing clout of Jewish religious nationalists, and the rhetoric of their public figures, poses a challenge for Israel and its military.

Israel’s vicious video – Rob Eshman – Jewish Journal 06.04.16

Is gratuitous killing now more acceptable? April 2, 2016