Israel Defense Forces

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) (Hebrew: ??? ????? ?????? {{Audio|He-Israeli Defense Forces.ogg|Ts'va Ha-Ha'ganah Le-Yisrael}} (" Force for the Defense of Israel"), often abbreviated ??"? Tsahal, alternative English spelling Tzahal, is the name of Israel's armed forces, comprising the Israel army, Israel air force and Israel navy. It was formed following the founding of Israel in 1948 to "defend the existence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state of Israel" and "to protect the inhabitants of Israel and to combat all forms of terrorism which threaten the daily life." The predecessors to the IDF were the Haganah (in particular, its operational branch, the Palmach) and former elements of the Jewish Brigade that fought under the British flag during World War II. See also Jewish legion.

Code of Conduct

In 1992, the IDF drafted a Code of Conduct that is a combination of international law, Israeli law, Jewish heritage and the IDF's own traditional ethical code - Ruach Tzahal רוח צה"ל ("The Spirit of the IDF").

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Values of the Code of Conduct

The IDF Code of Conduct emphasis the following values:

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• Tenacity of Purpose in Performing Missions and Drive to Victory (חתירה לניצחון והשלמת המשימה)
• Responsibility (אחריות)
• Credibility (אמינות)
• Personal Example (דוגמה אישית)
• Human Life (ערך חיי אדם)
• Professionalism (מקצועיות)
• Discipline (משמעת)
• Comradeship (רעות)
• Sense of Mission (שליחות)
• Purity of Arms (טוהר הנשק) - "The IDF servicemen and women will use their weapons and force only for the purpose of their mission, only to the necessary extent and will maintain their humanity even during combat. IDF soldiers will not use their weapons and force to harm human beings who are not combatants or prisoners of war, and will do all in their power to avoid causing harm to their lives, bodies, dignity and property".

Code of Conduct against terrorists

Recently, a team of professors, commanders and former judges, led by Tel Aviv University head of Ethics cathedra, Professor Assa Kasher, developed a code of conduct which emphasizes the right behavior in low intensity warfare against terrorists, where soldiers must operate within a civilian population. Reserve units and regular units alike are taught the following eleven rules of conduct, which are an addition to the more general IDF Spirit:

Related Topics:
Tel Aviv University - Ethics - Assa Kasher - Low intensity warfare

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• Military action can only be taken against military targets.
• The use of force must be proportional.
• Soldiers may only use weaponry they were issued by the IDF.
• Anyone who surrenders cannot be attacked.
• Only those who are properly trained can interrogate prisoners.
• Soldiers must accord dignity and respect to the Palestinian population and those arrested.
• Soldiers must give appropriate medical care, when conditions allow, to oneself and one's enemy.
• Pillaging is absolutely and totally illegal.
• Soldiers must show proper respect for religious and cultural sites and artifacts.
• Soldiers must protect international aid workers, including their property and vehicles.
• Soldiers must report all violations of this code.

Critics, including B'Tselem and Amnesty International accuse Israel of frequently violating their own purity of arms and code of ethics, and protecting soldiers who do. Palestinians and their supporters often refer to the IDF as the "Israeli Occupation Force" (IOF). This label expresses their belief that the primary role of the IDF is maintaining an "Occupation" of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, rather than "Defense" of Israeli citizens. Some even refuse to use the official title at all, claiming it is a propaganda term.

Related Topics:
B'Tselem - Amnesty International - Purity of arms - Palestinian - West Bank - Gaza Strip - Propaganda

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