New Israeli Technologies in Gaza: Artificial Intelligence Sparks Ethical Debate

26th April 2025

3 minutes read

New Israeli Technologies in Gaza: Artificial Intelligence Sparks Ethical Debate

The Israeli army is using algorithms and automated systems to bomb targets and assassinate leaders of Palestinian factions in Gaza and Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of many civilians.

An investigation published by The New York Times revealed Israel’s use of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in its latest war on the Gaza Strip, sparking a broad ethical debate, particularly regarding the protection of civilian lives. Israel tested a range of new technologies, deploying them for the first time on the battlefield, raising concerns about the future of warfare, which could increasingly rely on algorithms and automated systems rather than direct human decisions.

According to the investigation, Israel implemented AI systems across various military fields in Gaza, notably for target localization, facial recognition, and Arabic content analysis. These technologies significantly enhanced the efficiency and precision of military operations, but they carry serious ethical implications that could lead to even more complex uses in future conflicts.

The report mentioned that Israel used an AI-powered voice recognition tool, developed by Unit 8200 engineers, to locate Hamas leader Ibrahim Biari after Israeli intelligence failed to track him through the tunnel network. On October 31, 2023, an airstrike guided by this technology killed Biari but also caused the death of more than 125 civilians, according to the British organization Airwars.

This strike marked a turning point in the use of AI in modern warfare: despite the high precision of these systems, unexpected civilian casualties raised urgent ethical concerns.

Since then, Israel has accelerated the integration of AI into its military operations. Key technologies include facial recognition programs deployed in public spaces and at the northern and southern borders of Gaza, as well as automated military target selection tools, making airstrikes increasingly reliant on algorithms without direct human intervention.

Another innovation is a large Arabic language model capable of analyzing online posts and communications in various dialects. This tool has been used to assess popular reactions following certain operations, such as the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, helping predict public sentiment across the Arab world.

Despite clear technological successes, significant practical risks have emerged. According to Israeli officials, some systems have misidentified targets, resulting in wrongful arrests and civilian casualties. Hadass Lorber, an AI expert and former director at the Israeli National Security Council, warned about the dangers of unchecked use, stating: “Artificial intelligence has changed the rules on the battlefield, but without strict oversight, it could lead to disastrous consequences.”

Aviv Shapira, founder of drone company Extend, also emphasized the importance of balancing effectiveness with ethical considerations. He noted that modern algorithms are now capable of tracking moving targets with high precision, potentially making future wars more complex and less humane.

The issue of ethical responsibility in the military use of AI now plays a central role in the global debate about the future of warfare. American and European officials have expressed deep concerns that what is happening in Gaza could become a prototype for future wars, where algorithms play a major role in military decision-making, increasing the risks of targeting errors and disregard for civilian lives.

The rapid advancement of AI technologies makes it possible for future military systems to make combat decisions based on data. However, without strict safeguards, civilian lives could be at severe risk if the accuracy of targets and decisions is not thoroughly verified.

It is also worth noting that this is not the first time Israel has employed advanced technologies in warfare. In previous conflicts, Israel developed the Iron Dome defense system and offensive drones, demonstrating great effectiveness in intercepting missiles. However, during the latest Gaza war, the use of AI surpassed traditional boundaries, becoming a core component of military operations.