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As technology rapidly evolves, its integration into the military sphere becomes increasingly inevitable. Israel has long been recognized for its technological innovations, particularly in defense and security. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have consistently leveraged cutting-edge technologies to maintain a strategic edge. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a cornerstone of Israel’s defense strategy, with various AI-driven systems enhancing decision-making, intelligence gathering, and operational efficiency.
Israel has emerged as one of the leading nations openly embracing artificial intelligence (AI) in warfare, using AI tools to enhance defensive and offensive capabilities. The recent Israel-Gaza conflict (2023-2024) has brought this topic to global attention, with high-ranking officers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledging an expanded use of AI-driven systems across various military operations.
This article delves into Israel’s use of AI in military contexts, examining how these technologies are applied, the benefits and risks they bring to modern warfare, and the ethical and legal considerations that arise with their usage. By looking at Israel’s experience, we can gain insight into how AI might shape the future of warfare—and the critical need for international regulatory frameworks to ensure accountability.
1. AI Integration in the IDF’s Arsenal
Israel’s tech sector is globally recognized for its advanced capabilities, with innovations that serve both civilian and military needs. Given Israel’s unique security environment and persistent threats, it has prioritized technological superiority as a strategic necessity. This drive is apparent in the growing role AI plays in IDF operations, from proactive threat detection to intelligence analysis and weapon targeting.
Two major areas where the IDF has implemented AI technologies are Defensive and Crisis Management Systems and Offensive Targeting and Munitions.
Defensive Systems: Forecasting, Threat Alerts, and Crisis Response
One of the most high-profile systems that demonstrate the defensive utility of AI is Israel’s Iron Dome. Originally designed to intercept missiles, the Iron Dome has adapted to intercept drones and other aerial threats. The IDF’s Iron Dome system, which is renowned for intercepting incoming rockets, has integrated AI to enhance its precision and response time, optimizing resource allocation to intercept only the most immediate threats. AI has played a significant role in enhancing its efficiency, optimizing its response to diverse and simultaneous attacks—a critical feature during the 2023-2024 conflict.
The Iron Dome is an advanced air defense system specifically designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells. Equipped with radar technology, Iron Dome detects incoming threats and uses an AI-powered fire control system to calculate the trajectory of projectiles, determining if they are likely to hit populated areas or key infrastructure. The AI system optimizes the interception process, directing guided missile interceptors to engage only when necessary, thus preserving resources. Recent enhancements allow Iron Dome to detect and intercept drones and other low-flying threats, making it a versatile, multi-purpose defensive tool.
Intelligent Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems
AI-driven surveillance and reconnaissance play a pivotal role in the IDF’s strategy, providing real-time intelligence that is essential for quick decision-making and rapid response. The Skylark UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), for instance, uses AI algorithms to process images and detect potential threats autonomously. These UAVs are equipped with advanced computer vision capabilities, which can identify enemy assets, detect suspicious movements, and analyze terrain patterns. Through machine learning, these drones improve over time, becoming more accurate in distinguishing between civilian and hostile targets.
Another key system is Edge 360, which provides 360-degree threat detection for armored vehicles. Developed by Axon Vision, Edge 360 analyzes input from sensors to notify operators of potential dangers in real time. This technology aims to protect soldiers on the ground by complementing their perception with high-speed AI-driven threat assessments.
Leveraging computer vision and real-time sensor data processing, Edge 360 uses machine learning algorithms to interpret visual and thermal data, alerting operators to potential threats from any direction. By utilizing high-speed image processing and AI-driven threat detection, it can provide early warnings, enabling rapid response in hostile environments. Edge 360 integrates seamlessly with vehicle communication systems, offering commanders a comprehensive, real-time understanding of their surroundings.
Additionally, Israel’s Border Protection Systems rely heavily on AI, which were tested following the October 7 attack on Israel. Using a network of sensors and cameras powered by AI algorithms, these systems can detect irregular activities and alert operators of potential infiltration. However, the incident highlighted the limitations of relying solely on technology, emphasizing the role of human oversight in critical situations.
AI-Enhanced Command and Control Systems
AI’s capabilities in data processing and predictive analysis have significantly improved the IDF’s command and control (C2) operations. Fire Weaver, a networked command-and-control platform developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, employs AI to map out the battlefield in real-time, providing commanders with a comprehensive view of enemy positions and allied forces. By analyzing large datasets and prioritizing targets, Fire Weaver streamlines communication and coordination across different units, enabling quicker, more informed decisions.
Another C2 system, CARMEL (Combat Vehicle of the Future), integrates AI to operate autonomously or semi-autonomously. The CARMEL system uses sensors and AI algorithms to map and analyze the environment, assisting vehicle operators in navigation, target acquisition, and firing decisions. By reducing cognitive load and response time, CARMEL allows soldiers to focus on strategic aspects of missions while the AI handles complex operational tasks.
Intelligence Analysis and Targeting Tools
The IDF uses AI systems like Fire Factory and Lavender for intelligence gathering, data analysis, and targeting support. For example, Fire Factory can analyze large datasets, such as historical strike records, to optimize munitions selection, prioritize targets, and propose timelines. These AI tools aid in rapid decision-making, a task previously requiring numerous analysts over weeks.
AI-Enhanced Decision Support Systems
The IDF has also implemented AI in decision support to streamline and optimize battlefield decision-making. Athena, an AI-based decision support system, provides commanders with tactical recommendations by analyzing variables such as terrain, enemy positions, and potential risks. Athena uses machine learning algorithms to simulate various scenarios, helping commanders select optimal strategies based on data rather than intuition alone. This minimizes human error, leading to more precise and calculated responses in high-stress situations
Fire Factory is a decision-support tool for operational commanders, capable of rapidly analyzing historical data, target profiles, and munitions data to recommend optimal engagement strategies. The system incorporates machine learning to evaluate potential strike outcomes, prioritizing targets based on tactical and strategic criteria. With algorithms that handle large volumes of intelligence data, Fire Factory can compress what used to take days of human analysis into seconds, thus accelerating the chain of command and operational readiness in dynamic battle environments.
AI in Intelligence Gathering and Analysis
AI technology has revolutionized the IDF’s intelligence capabilities by improving the speed and accuracy of data analysis. The MABAT (Hebrew for “Gaze”) System is an AI-powered intelligence platform that consolidates data from diverse sources, such as satellite imagery, signal intelligence, and human intelligence. MABAT’s algorithms sift through massive datasets to detect patterns and correlations that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing insights that are invaluable for preemptive action.
Visual Intelligence Platforms, utilizing computer vision, are also critical to the IDF’s intelligence efforts. These platforms analyze video feeds from drones and other surveillance equipment to identify, track, and classify objects and individuals. By automating this process, AI significantly reduces the time required to process information, enabling the IDF to act swiftly on new intelligence.
Lavender is an AI-based intelligence system used by the IDF to identify potential military targets among operatives. By analyzing patterns in metadata and behavior across various intelligence sources, Lavender uses predictive analytics to infer likely threats. During high-conflict periods, Lavender was reportedly able to propose hundreds of targets per hour. However, due to the fast-paced nature of its outputs, human operators often have seconds to assess each recommendation, which poses risks related to rapid decision-making. The system leverages advancements in natural language processing and behavioral pattern recognition, aiming for precise identification, though it requires rigorous oversight to mitigate errors.
The Gospel system is another notable tool, designed to support IDF intelligence by identifying and recommending strategic targets. Deployed during prior conflicts, Gospel was capable of generating hundreds of target options in mere seconds, though each option was later reviewed by human commanders.
Gospel is an intelligence and targeting tool, assisting IDF analysts by automatically generating lists of viable targets based on defined operational goals. Utilizing deep learning and natural language processing, Gospel reviews massive amounts of intelligence data from surveillance, communications, and open-source information. The system employs advanced data filtering to eliminate non-combatant information and create actionable intelligence, enabling analysts to focus on high-value targets quickly. Gospel’s ability to generate hundreds of options with metadata summaries provides commanders with a prioritized list, although it requires further verification to ensure compliance with international humanitarian laws.
However, the rapidity of these processes raises significant concerns regarding the level of human involvement and the potential for errors. Reports about Lavender, an AI tool allegedly used to identify operatives in the military wings of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, illustrate these concerns. Some reports suggest that, in the early conflict stages, human review time for each target was restricted to 20 seconds, leading to an approximate 10% error rate. This margin of error invites scrutiny into whether these technologies truly adhere to international humanitarian law (IHL) principles.
AI in Cyber Defense and Cyber Warfare
Israel’s prowess in cybersecurity has made it a leader in AI-powered cyber defense. The IDF’s elite cyber unit, Unit 8200, has employed AI to fortify Israel’s digital borders and proactively detect cyber threats. AI algorithms analyze large volumes of network data, identifying anomalies and potential vulnerabilities that could signal an impending attack. With predictive analytics, the IDF can preemptively strengthen weak points and respond to threats before they materialize.
On the offensive front, AI-driven cyber tools can be deployed to disrupt enemy communications and logistics, neutralizing threats without physical confrontation. These AI systems continuously evolve, learning from each interaction to improve their effectiveness against new types of cyber threats.
Autonomous Ground Vehicles and Robotics
AI-powered ground robots and vehicles are increasingly essential in dangerous and high-stakes missions. The Jaguar Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), for example, is an autonomous patrol robot used along Israel’s borders. Equipped with AI, the Jaguar UGV can autonomously detect and engage targets while maintaining communication with its human operators. The robot’s AI allows it to recognize patterns and identify potential threats, reducing the need for soldiers to physically patrol hazardous areas.
RoBattle, another autonomous ground vehicle developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is designed for complex battlefield environments. RoBattle’s AI-driven capabilities include autonomous navigation, threat identification, and target engagement. These robots provide critical support for troops in hostile zones, especially in urban combat, where they can navigate confined spaces and perform reconnaissance with minimal human involvement.
2. Challenges of AI on the Battlefield: Legal and Ethical Dimensions
The deployment of AI-driven tools raises important legal and ethical challenges. The key areas of concern involve the level of human oversight required for AI-based targeting, the principle of accountability, and the potential for automation bias.
Human Oversight and Accountability
One of the primary concerns with military AI systems is ensuring adequate human oversight—or keeping humans “in the loop”—to make ethical and lawful decisions. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) asserts that meaningful human control is essential to meet IHL standards. Without it, there is a risk of disproportionately harming civilians and undermining the principle of distinction between combatants and non-combatants.
Despite the IDF’s safeguards, including the review of AI-generated recommendations by human officers, critics argue that the speed and scale at which targets are identified can make meaningful human judgment challenging. The IDF has stated that targeting tools such as Gospel are used primarily for intelligence-gathering, not direct attacks, with final approvals involving legal and operational advisors. However, the sheer volume and complexity of data processed by these systems could strain the judgment and accountability of commanders.
The Principle of Precautions and Minimizing Civilian Harm
Under IHL, parties in conflict must take all feasible precautions to avoid or minimize harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure. The principle of precautions mandates a thorough verification process to confirm the military nature of individuals or objectives before striking. In the case of automated targeting systems like Lavender, critics argue that the speed of target generation may prevent the exhaustive verification that this principle demands.
This leads to concerns that AI-based systems could inadvertently increase civilian casualties. It is essential that AI tools in warfare comply with the duty of constant care, ensuring that harm to civilians is minimized. Failure to adhere to these principles could constitute a violation of IHL, even if unintentional.
Automation Bias and the “Black Box” Issue
One of the critical risks in the deployment of AI systems is automation bias, a cognitive tendency for humans to over-rely on AI-generated insights. During high-stakes, high-pressure situations, commanders may be inclined to trust AI recommendations without fully scrutinizing them. The Gospel system, while providing transparent and understandable information for intelligence officers, is not immune to this challenge, particularly in fast-paced combat scenarios.
Additionally, AI systems often exhibit the “black box” phenomenon, where their decision-making process is not fully transparent or explainable. This lack of explainability can pose challenges for accountability, making it difficult to trace and verify decisions in the event of unintended consequences.
3. Moving Forward: The Need for Rigorous Legal Reviews and International Standards
The use of AI in warfare underscores the urgent need for international guidelines and standards. Article 36 of the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions requires that new weapons, means, and methods of warfare undergo legal review to ensure they comply with international law. However, since Israel is not a signatory to this protocol, there is no formal requirement for it to conduct such reviews—although the state has expressed a commitment to ethical and lawful standards in military operations.
Legal reviews should evaluate whether AI systems comply with IHL principles, including the Martens Clause, which emphasizes humanity and public conscience as guiding considerations. In contexts where international law is currently silent on AI’s role, this ethical standard may serve as an interim framework until formal treaties are developed.
4. Concluding Thoughts: Toward Responsible and Transparent Use of AI in Military Operations
Israel’s integration of artificial intelligence across its defense infrastructure has transformed its military capabilities, providing an edge in speed, accuracy, and efficiency on the battlefield. Through intelligent surveillance systems, autonomous vehicles, cyber defense tools, and decision support platforms, the IDF has built a formidable AI-powered defense ecosystem.
As the world navigates this new era of AI-enabled warfare, the case of Israel provides valuable insights and lessons. While the use of AI in conflict offers clear strategic advantages, it also raises critical questions about responsibility, oversight, and compliance with humanitarian standards.
As AI technology continues to advance, Israel remains at the forefront of integrating these innovations responsibly and effectively, ensuring that its defense strategy evolves to meet the dynamic challenges of modern warfare. With an ongoing commitment to ethical standards and human oversight, the IDF’s use of AI is shaping a new era of defense, blending technological superiority with strategic prudence
Moving forward, it is crucial that AI-based tools in warfare are subject to rigorous oversight, balancing operational efficacy with accountability and ethical constraints. Governments, international organizations, and civil society must collaborate to set clear standards and conduct legal reviews that protect human dignity and minimize harm. Until international regulatory frameworks catch up with technological advancements, such checks will be essential in ensuring AI serves to protect, not compromise, fundamental human rights and international law.
