In response to an investigation into the 2008-2009 Israel-Gaza Conflict, the Israel Defense Force (IDF) has announced that “humanitarian affairs officers” will be assigned to combat units at the battalion level and above:
“According to the report, the new humanitarian affairs officers will have responsibility for advising their combat unit’s commanding officer and educating soldiers on the protection of civilians, civilian property and infrastructure; the planning of humanitarian assistance; and the co-ordination of humanitarian movement.”
The move is one of a series of changes the IDF is implementing after civilian casualties during the conflict lead to an international backlash against the small country. Other changes include training soldiers to limit collateral damage to health systems and restricting the use of white phosphorous munitions.
However, it is doubtful IDF operations will be markedly different the next time around. First, unlike the United States military, the IDF does not have a career track for civil-military relations. Thus, IDF officers assigned to these humanitarian affairs position are not professionals in the tasks assigned to them. Second, nothing in the descriptions I have seen leads me to believe the positions holds any power to sway operational behavior. Third, it is likely that these positions will become dumping-grounds for commanders looking to rid themselves of low quality officers.
Until the IDF develops a respected and professional humanitarian affairs corp, I see no reason to expect changes in Israeli military operations in the future.
Photo Credit: Plasmastik.
Christopher R. Albon is a Ph.D. candidate specializing in armed conflict, public health, human security, and health diplomacy.
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