Ben-Gvir Proposes Overhaul of IDF Ethics if Appointed Defense Minister
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir revealed a plan to change the IDF's ethical code if appointed Defense Minister. His proposals include removing "purity of arms," dropping restrictions on harming civilians and POWs, and replacing universal morals with Jewish principles. Ben-Gvir aims to strengthen the army's Jewish identity and focus on victory, incorporating the principle "He who comes to kill you, rise early to kill him."
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir proposed changing the IDF's ethical code if appointed Defense Minister.
- Ben-Gvir wants to replace "purity of arms" with "righteousness of arms."
- The proposed changes would remove restrictions on harming uninvolved civilians and prisoners of war.
- Universal moral values would be replaced by principles from Jewish tradition.
- The IDF's primary objective would be redefined as achieving victory over enemies.
- Ben-Gvir seeks to strengthen the army's Jewish identity and define it as a "Jewish, state army."
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has outlined a plan to fundamentally alter the ethical code of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) should he be appointed Minister of Defense. His proposed changes include eliminating the concept of "purity of arms," removing restrictions on harming uninvolved civilians and prisoners of war, and replacing universal moral values with principles from Jewish tradition.
Ben-Gvir stated that the aim of these changes is to "strengthen the army's Jewish identity and emphasize the value of victory in battle and the war against enemies." Under his proposal, the IDF's primary objective would be redefined as "striving for victory and the defeat of the enemies of the State of Israel and the people of Israel." This emphasis would be central to a revised ethical code.
He further explained that the ethical foundations of the army would be broadened to focus on Jewish moral values derived from the Torah, Jewish ethics, Hebrew law, and the nation's traditions. The state would be defined as a Jewish homeland, and the IDF as a "Jewish, state army."
A significant proposed change involves replacing "purity of arms" with "righteousness of arms." This would explicitly incorporate the principle, "He who comes to kill you, rise early to kill him." Ben-Gvir's plan also removes language that previously limited IDF soldiers to using force "only to the extent necessary." Additionally, explicit prohibitions against harming "uninvolved" individuals and prisoners would be dropped, and any mention of "universal moral values" would be deleted entirely.
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