IDF Responds to 'Nezah' Film on Gaza Strikes and AI
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- IDF responded to 'Nezah' film on Gaza strikes and AI use.
- IDF denied claims of automatic civilian casualty numbers.
- Military Intelligence not responsible for attack approval.
- AI does not independently select targets, IDF stated.
- IDF criticized filmmakers for omitting context and details.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a response Thursday to the film 'Nezah,' which criticizes the IDF's open-fire policy and use of artificial intelligence in combat. Unlike previous, less detailed responses, the IDF stated it had reviewed the film based on a detailed summary from a representative who attended a public screening, supplemented by public descriptions. The IDF criticized the filmmakers for not providing a copy of the film despite a request.
The IDF asserted that the film's interviewees, presented as former Military Intelligence personnel, often discuss only limited, initial intelligence phases rather than the broader attack planning and approval process, which is handled by operational units, not Military Intelligence. The IDF claimed these interviewees sometimes present baseless speculation. The military categorically denied planning, approving, or executing any strike in Gaza where the expected civilian death toll was 500 or close to it.
Furthermore, the IDF refuted claims of automatically allowing a predetermined number of civilian casualties based on target importance, such as 20 civilians for a low-ranking operative or 200 for a senior commander. The IDF clarified that artificial intelligence does not independently select targets; target identification is done by authorized intelligence officers, planning by relevant professionals, and final approval by operational commanders.
Regarding the 'Lavender' system, the IDF described it as a database assisting intelligence analysts, not a repository of approved targets. The military denied using the issuance of evacuation warnings as permission to strike an area regardless of remaining civilians. The IDF also stated it investigates the results of its strikes, including unintentional civilian harm, contrary to the film's claims.
The IDF accused the filmmakers of omitting crucial elements of the target planning process, such as personnel responsible for minimizing civilian harm, legal advisors reviewing strikes, and approving commanders. The military also stated that the film omits essential context about the war in Gaza and the IDF's conduct, which would demonstrate the IDF's efforts to protect civilians through demands for more intelligence, plan modifications, strike cancellations, and foregoing military opportunities.
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