In the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Hamas militant group in Gaza, reports suggest that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have turned to Artificial Intelligence (AI) for accelerating target selection in their intense bombing campaign on the Gaza Strip. The use of an AI platform, referred to as “the Gospel,” has come to light, raising concerns about the implications of automated systems in military operations.
The IDF’s renewed offensive against Hamas follows the expiration of a truce between the two adversaries, with international efforts for a further extension in progress.
“The Gospel” is described as an AI platform functioning as a rapid target selection tool, drawing comparisons to a “mass assassination factory.” The information about this AI tool comes from interviews with intelligence sources and statements from the IDF and retired officials.
A noteworthy revelation is the involvement of a secretive AI-facilitated military intelligence unit in Israel’s response to the conflict with Hamas.
Quoting an unnamed source critical of this practice, +972 Magazine expressed concerns, drawing a parallel scenario where Palestinian militants would target Israeli soldiers’ private residences during weekends. The use of AI in Israel’s military operations, including automated systems on the battlefield, is being closely observed by other states, according to an unnamed White House official cited by The Guardian.
Further insights from +972 Magazine’s source indicate that a high-ranking Israeli intelligence officer, in response to Hamas’ actions, directed officers to “kill as many Hamas operatives as possible.” The flexibility in targeting is emphasized, with no strict rules to avoid civilian casualties. Instances were noted where wide cellular pinpointing was employed, leading to civilian casualties, justified as a trade-off for time efficiency.
While the current reports shed light on the IDF’s recent use of AI in targeting Gaza, it’s worth noting that Israel has previously employed such technology. Reports indicate that the IDF claimed to have fought the “first AI war” during the 11-day conflict in Gaza in May 2021.
The deployment of AI in military operations adds a new dimension to the ongoing conflict, sparking concerns about ethical implications, transparency, and the potential impact on civilian populations. The global community closely watches these developments as nations navigate the evolving landscape of AI integration in warfare.
(With inputs from agencies)
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
