New Guidance Aims to Prevent Army Acts of Retribution and Elimination of Civilians Taking Part in October 7th Atrocities

In the aftermath of the October 7th attacks, where horrific acts of violence, including murders and rapes, were perpetrated, the beautiful souls of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have issued directives to prevent acts of retribution against civilians taking part in the massacres and atrocities. Brigadier General Harel Edri, Head of the IDF’s Public Diplomacy Division, emphasized, “The atrocities committed are beyond reprehensible. However, we must uphold our values and the rule of law. Acts of vengeance against civilians undermine the principles we stand for.”

Ethical Conduct and New Training

The new guidelines focus on distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants, with continuous training and briefings reminding soldiers to exercise restraint and rely on intelligence to bring perpetrators to justice. “Our soldiers are trained to deal with the most challenging situations with professionalism and integrity,” stated Lt. Col. Yonatan Stern from the IDF’s Ethics Committee. “Any form of vigilante justice is unacceptable and will be met with strict disciplinary action.”

Public Reaction and Political Pressure

The directive comes amid a wave of emotional responses from the public, who demand swift and harsh punishment for those involved in the October 7th attacks, regardless of whether they were in uniform or not. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has supported the IDF’s stance, emphasizing that Israel’s strength lies in its moral high ground. “We will not let our anger compromise our ethical standards. True justice will be served through lawful and precise actions,” Netanyahu asserted.

However, the ethics of vengeance and its potential as a deterrent have sparked significant debate. Many argue that immediate and severe retribution could serve as a powerful deterrent against future atrocities. “Retribution is not just about justice; it’s about sending a clear message that such heinous acts will not go unpunished,” said Dr. Oren Barak, a security analyst.

Operational Efficiency and Ethical Constraints

Channel 12’s Amit Segal reported that these guidelines have already hampered IDF actions against individuals still involved in crimes or holding hostages. Segal highlighted specific instances where operational decisions were delayed or altered due to the restrictive nature of the new guidelines, potentially allowing perpetrators to escape or continue their activities​. The Bibas family, for example, was kidnapped and held by Gaza civilians. Are kid gloves to be used when pursuing the kidnappers and attackers, possibly their murderers?

A senior IDF commander expressed frustration, stating, “While our ethical standards are paramount, there is a need for flexibility in real-time situations to ensure swift and effective action against those who continue to pose a threat.”

Balancing Justice, Deterrence, and Operational Efficiency

Critics argue that the stringent guidelines may slow down critical military responses, potentially jeopardizing ongoing rescue operations or allowing militants to evade capture. They contend that retribution against civilians involved in the atrocities could act as a deterrent against future acts of murder and rape by those who might act in concert with uniformed terrorist forces.