Amid rising scrutiny over civilian casualties in military conflicts, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has been utilizing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems to minimize collateral damage during its operations in Gaza. These systems, including AI-powered drones, targeting mechanisms, and mapping capabilities, have significantly reduced civilian deaths while enhancing operational efficiency.
Since the 11-day conflict with Hamas in 2021, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has discreetly deployed AI systems in the Gaza battlespace following October 7th, 2022. While numerous media outlets have speculated about the reckless use of Israel's AI platforms, experts believe these systems are employed to minimize civilian casualties by identifying and targeting Hamas terrorists hiding among the populace or within tunnel networks beneath civilian architecture.
Blaise Misztal, Vice President for Policy at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), highlights the ubiquitous presence of drones in support of ground troops maneuvering through Gaza. According to the IDF, each unit possesses a "mini-Air Force" providing surveillance and situational awareness. Additionally, drones may be mapping underground tunnels used by Hamas, facilitating the safe traversal of Israeli forces seeking out terrorists or hostages.
Israel's AI-Powered Drones and Targeting Systems Reduce Civilian Casualties in Gaza Operation
Elbit Systems' Iris, a throwable ground-based unit, can explore hazardous areas above or underground, relaying intelligence and reconnaissance information in real-time. Ghost Robotics' Vision-60 ground drone continuously pushes the limits of mobility to navigate challenging environments and minimize risk to soldiers and civilians.
Xtend UAV systems are deployed to counter Hamas' incendiary balloons and intercept rogue drones, which Iran and its proxies have utilized against Israel. The capability to "be deployed in parallel" suggests the use of drone swarms, groups of drones communicating with each other through AI to execute directives without human intervention.
Israel's AI-Powered Drones and Targeting Systems Reduce Civilian Casualties in Gaza Operation
The most significant AI-powered devices contributing to casualty reduction are targeting systems known as "Gospel" and "Lavender." Misztal clarifies that these systems operate within a "man-machine loop," requiring human analysts and an IDF lawyer to approve any target engagement.
Jonathan Conricus, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and former IDF spokesman, emphasizes that while AI and technology are increasingly relied upon, Israeli policy mandates human decision-making at crucial junctures.
Israel's AI-Powered Drones and Targeting Systems Reduce Civilian Casualties in Gaza Operation
According to Misztal, "Gospel" identifies hard targets such as buildings, weapons storage facilities, and rocket launchers, while "Lavender" employs facial recognition to identify Hamas leaders and fighters. These systems sift through vast amounts of data from air and ground assets, including the AI-enabled Oron spy plane, to determine likely targets.
Misztal notes that in the 2021 conflict, an Israeli airstrike on a tunnel caused the collapse of an overlying residential building, resulting in civilian casualties. With advanced mapping capabilities, the IDF can now identify strategic tunnel intersections that can be blocked without endangering civilian structures.
Israel's AI-Powered Drones and Targeting Systems Reduce Civilian Casualties in Gaza Operation
Misztal believes Lavender demonstrates Israel's commitment to protecting civilians by preventing Hamas fighters from exploiting safe zones and evading detection. He suggests that Israel's AI systems have become an integral part of its operational process since 2021. Despite initial uncertainty about the Gaza terrain, the IDF's use of drones and surveillance capabilities has enabled them to operate with greater surgical precision.
An Associated Press report corroborates Misztal's observations by analyzing data from the Gaza Ministry of Health, which has long been questioned by researchers. The report finds a significant decline in the proportion of Palestinian women and children killed in the Israel-Hamas war, going unnoticed by the U.N. and much of the media for months.
Israel's AI-Powered Drones and Targeting Systems Reduce Civilian Casualties in Gaza Operation
In addition to reducing casualties, AI has enabled a high level of operations that would otherwise require vast amounts of human capital. Conricus explains that without AI and advanced technology to automate processes, Israel would need to multiply its intelligence collection and control infrastructure, which is not feasible. AI and advanced technology allow Israel to respond effectively to threats within its resource limitations.
