The IDF's rules of engagement during the Gaza conflict

                                                                                         

The IDF's emphasis on compliance with the Law of Armed Conflict was directly incorporated into the rules of engagement for the Gaza operation. The operational order emphasized four guiding principles: military necessity, distinction, proportionality and humanity.

The legal section of the operational order further enumerates several absolute prohibitions. With respect to targeting decisions, the document set out the governing legal principles with regard to particular targets, which included the following:

* Only military targets may be attacked.
* Any attack against civilian objectives is prohibited.
* A "civilian objective" is any objective which is not a military target.
* Subject to the principle of proportionality, when a civilian objective is used by the enemy for a military activity it loses its protection and immunity and becomes a legitimate military target.
* Subject to the principle of proportionality, the presence of civilians within a military objective or in its vicinity does not negate the military character of the objective.
* Subject to the principle of proportionality, a dual use objective may be attacked if reliable, conclusive and up-to-date information confirms that it serves the military activities of the enemy.

The document further confirmed the importance of minimizing incidental harm to civilians and civilian facilities. IDF forces were to use only weapons approved as legal by IDF authorities. The order contained numerous other provisions designed to implement the Law of Armed Conflict. Among other things, the document provided that:

* Destruction of property would be allowed only for imperative operational necessity.
* The presence of enemy combatants among the civilian populations would not deny the civilian character of the population.
* Precautionary measures must be employed to minimize the risk for civilians in the course of the hostilities.

The IDF's rules of engagement strictly prohibit the use of civilians as human shields. Moreover, the Israel Supreme Court has ruled that use of civilians in any capacity for the purpose of military operations is unlawful. The IDF took a variety of measures to teach and instill awareness of these rules of engagement in commanders and soldiers.

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