AI Law - International Review of Artificial Intelligence LawCC BY-NC-SA Commercial Licence ISSN 3035-5451
G. Giappichelli Editore

05/11/2025 - The Role of AI in Military Operations: The Israel-Hamas Conflict

argument: Notizie/News - International Law

Source: IARI - International Affairs Review Institute

The International Affairs Review Institute delves into the controversial role of Artificial Intelligence in the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, focusing on its application in military targeting and intelligence evaluation. The article highlights the use of AI systems by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), such as "the Gospel" and "Lavender," which are designed to rapidly identify potential targets and individuals allegedly associated with militant groups. This technology accelerates the decision-making process, enabling a scale and speed of operations previously unattainable. The analysis brings to the forefront the critical debate surrounding the balance between military efficiency and the adherence to international humanitarian law.

A central theme of the discussion is the tension between the capabilities of AI and the legal principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution, which are cornerstones of the laws of armed conflict. The use of AI to generate target lists raises profound questions about the level of human oversight, the potential for algorithmic bias, and the risk of error leading to civilian casualties. The article explores whether these systems can be truly compliant with legal and ethical standards that require nuanced, context-sensitive judgments. It underscores the urgent need for a global dialogue on regulating AI in warfare to ensure accountability and prevent the erosion of established legal protections for non-combatants.