The Dangers of AI Warfare: Israel Utilizes Artificial Intelligence for Military Operations

According to a report by Bloomberg, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) systems to improve their military operations by choosing targets for air strikes and handling logistics during times of war. With escalating tensions in the occupied territories and their long-standing adversary Iran, the IDF has adopted AI technology to bolster their capabilities.

Although specific operations are not disclosed, officials confirm the use of an artificial intelligence recommendation system to analyze vast amounts of data and suggest targets for airstrikes. An artificial intelligence tool, called Fire Factory, is used to quickly organize airstrikes. Fire Factory uses military-approved target data to calculate suitable ammunition loads, prioritize targets, assign them to aircraft and drones, and suggest a schedule.

Questions about the responsibility and regulation of artificial intelligence in warfare

Human operators monitor both systems, checking and approving individual targets and airstrike plans. However, the use of this technology is currently not regulated at the international or state level. Proponents say improved algorithms could surpass human capabilities and potentially reduce casualties. Critics, on the other hand, express concern about the potentially lethal consequences of relying on increasingly autonomous systems.

Tal Mimran, a lecturer in international law at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a former army lawyer, highlighted the risks to Bloomberg: “If there is an error in the calculation of AI, and if the AI is inexplicable, then who do we blame for the error?” He asks. One mistake can destroy the whole family.

Although certain details of the IDF’s use of artificial intelligence are classified, statements from military officials suggest that the technology has been used at times in conflicts in the Gaza Strip. Israel often conducts airstrikes in response to rocket attacks in the area. In 2021, the IDF called the conflict the world’s first “AI war”, referring to the use of artificial intelligence to identify rocket launchers and deploy swarms of drones. In addition, Israel raids Syria and Lebanon to target arms shipments to Iranian-backed militants.

As tensions with Iran escalate and concerns over its uranium enrichment continue, Israel has regularly warned against Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons. The IDF expects possible retaliation from Iran’s proxies in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon, which could lead to a major multi-front conflict. AI-based tools like Fire Factory are specifically designed to handle such scenarios, enabling faster decision-making under human supervision.

The head of the IDF’s digital transformation unit, Colonel Uri, emphasizes the effectiveness of the implementation of artificial intelligence. He explains: “What used to take hours now takes minutes, and it takes a few more minutes to review a person. With the same number of people, we do a lot more.”