The Israel Defense Forces, established in 1948 to protect the Jewish democratic state, is distinct from other militaries, said Benny Pflanzer, former captain in the IDF's paratroop corps and operations officer, on Sunday in Hassenfeld Conference Center.

With its own ethical code, the IDF has bound Israeli soldiers and commanders since 1992 to a set of rules and fundamental values that guide their actions during combat. Responsibility, dignity and preservation of civilian life are among the ten principles Pflanzer defined as "the spirit of Tzahal"-ideals that combine Israeli and international law with Jewish and military heritage, which he said are apparent in Israel's recent strikes in Gaza.

In an effort to minimize the loss of civilian life from airstrikes in Gaza, "Israel is spreading flyers," Pflanzer said. "They're spreading [flyers] to different areas and saying, 'You know, we know there is a Hamas base over here. We're going to attack it soon. If you live around it, please evacuate your home.'"

The discussion was an indictment of Hamas and Hezbollah for using civilians-even children-as bait to reel in Israeli soldiers. Pflanzer recounted one of his ethical dilemmas during the Second Lebanon War in 2006 in which Hezbollah, against the Israeli-imposed curfew, ordered children to play in the street to divert IDF troops. Though Israeli soldiers were instructed to drive through villages without stopping, the thought of killing innocent civilians was appalling to many.

"[T]he commander in the first vehicle in that time that I was there couldn't do it-just couldn't do it because of his morals. He felt that he can't [sic] just let innocent kids ... just playing over there suffer. So, he stopped. And we paid ... a very large price for that," said Pflanzer.

The result was a bomb that hit the commander's vehicle, murdering several Israelis as well as the children. These types of scenarios in which Hezbollah and Hamas are willing to sacrifice Palestinians to eradicate Israelis are among the challenges Israel faces, Pflanzer stressed. "We're trying to avoid hurting any innocent people, but it seems like the other side is playing according to different ... rules." Pflanzer attributed this distinction to the IDF's high standards and an Israeli code of conduct that is stricter than that of other Middle Eastern countries.

Defending Israel and avoiding civilian casualties often come into conflict. "I'm expected to risk myself or my soldier with me. You know the two complete the mission," Pflanzer said, but, "you're being challenged every single second. It's not that you need to make one decision in your life and that's it." With every tactical move and each new piece of intelligence, commanders are required to reanalyze the possible scenarios to determine what is best for their soldiers and their country.
But, while the IDF faces challenging situations, Pflanzer stressed that it is prepared to make these crucial decisions until Israel meets its ultimate goals of security and independence.

Many attendees were pleased with the discussion in general, but some felt that it was incomplete and wanted to hear how Hamas or Hezbollah would frame civilian casualties. "I'm obviously interested to hear the other side, but it sounds like ... you can't deny [the civilian casualties]," said Chelsea Polaniecki '16 in an interview with the Justice. She added that Pflanzer's presentation seemed fair. "We see where Hamas is aiming their rockets and ... their missiles, and he [Pflanzer] just said [it] in the most truthful way."

Melissa Sirt '16 also came to the event to learn more about ethics in the Middle East. "I think it's important to be reminded ... how [the IDF] really try to keep to these [ethical] codes, especially ... at this time when people are trying to show the opposite."

Western countries are eager for a cease-fire to end the most recent wave of Israeli airstrikes and Palestinian rocket fire. As of press time, there was no sign of success from truce talks in Cairo.