Should the IDF Be Held to a Higher Moral Standard?

Viewed
39
Saved
0
Partner
Content
Video
Israel - State
8 - 12

Today’s armies are subject to international humanitarian law, national pressure and public scrutiny. Yet they must also uphold themselves to their own specific ethical and moral codes.

For decades, Israel’s military, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has fought for the state’s very existence. Over time, many of Israel’s enemies have moved beyond the traditional battlefield and brokered for peace…or political warfare. 

Enemies like Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah have tested the IDF’s morality by using unethical tactics beyond the accepted principles of warfare, putting innocent human lives at risk. Israel’s position is that until Israel’s enemies hold themselves to a higher moral code, the IDF will remain prepared and armed to defend Israel from constant threat while striving to maintain its own ethical code.

View Resources
icon Save to library
Share
Big Ideas
  1. Asymmetric warfare, particularly with terrorist groups, challenges the IDF's ability to maintain ethical codes and purity of arms.
  2. The IDF often takes steps to limit civilian casualties, as opposed to Hamas and Hezbollah, who purposely place civilians in harm's way.
Essential Questions
  1. What are the challenges of maintaining purity of arms and ethical standards in asymmetric warfare?
  2. How can the IDF navigate the moral dilemmas presented by the complex and asymmetric nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
  3. Does Israel need to be the most moral army?

Details

Setting

  • After School and Beyond
  • Camp
  • Congregational Learning
  • Day Schools and Yeshivas
  • Teen Engagement

Discover more

Israeli flag waving in sunset
Collection
Teaching About Israel in a Time of Crisis

Resources to help learners engage safely with the current crisis in Israel.

13105
72
J JEP
Project-Based, Choice-Based Learning: J-JEP

J-JEP is a multi-denominational collaboration between Beth Shalom, a traditional Conservative congregation, and Rodef Shalom, a Classical Reform congregation. The learning in J-JEP reflects the belief that no two households are the same.

150
4
Mayim Children
Multi-aged, Project-Based, Experiential Learning: Mayim

Mayim, our initial example of "Additional" Models, could be placed in a Multi-aged, Project-Based Learning, or Experiential Learning bucket. Mayim is a K-5 learning community in which depth of relationships and depth of learning are intentionally fostered and visible everywhere.

207
5