Human Dignity in the Israel Defense Forces

Human Dignity in the Israel Defense Forces

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A summary of a symposium on the subject of human dignity in the IDF. Contains a brief essay on this issue and transcripts of the talks given by the symposium participants. Topics include: legislation, the moral standards of the IDF and international conventions, the IDF's conception of human dignity, the present reality, and future scenarios.

Following the first meeting of IDI's Army and Society Forum, which dealt with Women in the IDF, the joint IDF-IDI forum met for a second session, in March 2001, to discuss the issue of human dignity in the IDF. This volume includes a summary of the subject, along with a transcript of the symposium proceedings. Topics include: legislation, the moral standards of the IDF and international conventions, the IDF's conception of human dignity, the present reality, and future scenarios.

Part 1: Human Dignity in the IDF

Summary of the symposium

Legislation, the IDF Code, and International Conventions

The Basic Law: Human Dignity and Freedom; the practical application of the Basic Law; the IDF code and international conventions

Aspects Relating to Human Dignity in the IDF

External aspects:

  1. Rules of engagement and decision-making during combat
  2. A manifestly illegal order
  3. Damage to property

The internal aspect:

  1. Relationships between commanders and subordinates
  2. Relations among soldiers
  3. Dilemmas and rights of minorities
  4. Sexual harassment

Implementing Human Dignity in the Military

Fostering human dignity in the IDF: Does it advance the military’s goals as a fighting organization or does it impede them? Should the military lead or be led in matters related to the preservation of human dignity?

Additional Dilemmas

  • Conflicting values
  • Issues of leadership

Ways of Coping

  • Education, explanation, and training
  • Democratic policy as a source of military authority and soldiers’ professionalism

Human Dignity in the IDF: A Look into the Future

Conclusion: The Dilemma

Research agenda

Appendices

Part 2: Transcript of the Symposium at the Israel Democracy Institute

Opening Plenary Session

  • Prof. Mordechai Kremnitzer
  • Lieut. General Shaul Mofaz

Discussion Groups:

  1. Group 1: The individual in a total and hierarchical framework
  2. Group 2: Soldiers’ rights and commanders’ authority in light of human dignity
  3. Group 3: Combat ethics and human dignity

Plenary Discussion and Summary by the Chief of the General Staff

Tags:
human dignity, 
international treaties, 
Basic Laws, 
IDF