Ex-NATO Commanders Commend Israel for Humane Conduct in Warfare

Amid widespread media criticism and legal challenges, Israel's conduct during the ongoing Gaza War has received strong commendation from former NATO military chiefs. Despite accusations from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the High Level Military Group (HLMG)—comprising former chiefs of staff and senior military officials from several NATO countries—has praised the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for its humane approach in the conflict.

The ICC’s prosecutor, Karim Khan, has sought arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant on charges of war crimes, including allegations of starving and intentionally killing civilians. However, the HLMG has filed an amicus curiae brief to the ICC, refuting these charges and providing evidence that the IDF has made extraordinary efforts to protect civilians while conducting military operations in Gaza.

The HLMG, which includes military leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain, Finland, and the Netherlands, stated that Israel’s efforts to ensure the delivery of food and humanitarian aid to Gaza far exceed those typically undertaken by modern armies. “It is our considered military opinion that the State of Israel and the IDF are and have been since the inception of this operation complying in good faith with all international legal obligations to facilitate the provision of humanitarian aid into Gaza,” the group wrote.

The military experts emphasized that no other armed forces have matched Israel's success in facilitating aid delivery to civilians in enemy territory while actively engaged in hostilities. The HLMG highlighted the IDF’s creation of a Civilian Harm Mitigation Cell (CHMC), a technological innovation that uses a digital map updated hourly to monitor civilian concentrations. This tool is consulted when planning airstrikes and selecting munitions, ensuring that the IDF minimizes civilian casualties.

The HLMG described the CHMC as an “extremely unusual” and “unprecedented” measure, noting that they are unaware of any other military force employing a comparable methodology to mitigate risk to civilian life. Alongside this, the IDF has also implemented extensive warning systems, including millions of leaflet drops, phone calls, and text messages, to alert civilians of impending military actions.

These efforts, the HLMG contended, demonstrate Israel's commitment to adhering to international law and protecting civilian lives even amid active conflict. Their statement provides a stark contrast to the narrative of indiscriminate violence often portrayed in some media outlets and underscores the complexity of conducting military operations in densely populated areas like Gaza.

As the debate continues on the international stage, the support from such high-ranking military officials may play a crucial role in shaping global perceptions of Israel’s conduct in the Gaza War.

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