Why's the 'most moral army in the world' showing depraved actions in Gaza?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been touting Israel's military as "the most moral army in the world" since October last year when he sent his troops inside the besieged Palestinian enclave of Gaza.

However, the visuals inundating social media platforms such as TikTok, Telegram, and X captured and shared by Israeli soldiers themselves show what critics have described as a "depraved behaviour", not reflective of a professional army.

In some of these videos, Israeli troops are seen rifling through women's garments, pillaging kitchens in abandoned homes, and even callously riding Gaza children's tricycles amidst the ruins of their homes.

A significant portion of the video posts, often shared by members of the Israeli army, exhibit soldiers casually smoking pipes while buildings are razed in the background, vandalising local establishments and educational facilities, and spewing derogatory remarks about Palestinians.

"Some of the IDF actions depicted in some of the videos will offend many people and disappoint professional military people who understand the importance of the disciplined application of force and disciplined soldier conduct," John D. Altenburg Jr., a retired major general of the US army, told TRT World.

The retired US major general said some of these videos will create a negative perception of the Israeli military "both domestically and internationally."

Amidst relentless onslaught by Israel on besieged Gaza that has so far killed at least 31,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 71,000, Israeli soldiers have been seen engaged in acts of destruction and mocking besieged Palestinians.

The videos, mostly filmed and shared by Israeli soldiers themselves, capture a range of activities, from the mundane routines of military life to scenes of vandalism and aggression directed toward Palestinian civilians and property in Gaza.

Last month, the Israeli military's top lawyer Major-General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi issued an unprecedented warning in a letter to invading troops against "improper conduct which includes the unjustified use of force and looting among other "criminal" actions.

"[There needs to be] much greater and more focused training that emphasises the disproportionately negative effect of undisciplined conduct that undermines otherwise operational and strategic accomplishments," Altenburg added.

Despite reported warning from seniors, Israeli soldiers in Gaza have continued to disrespect local customs and resources.

For example, in one video, soldiers are seen riding bicycles through ruins. In another, a soldier transfers Muslim prayer rugs into a bathroom. And in another, a soldier films boxes of lingerie found at an abandoned home. In one unsettling clip, a soldier is seen trying to set fire to food and water supplies as Palestinians starve in the intensely-bombed area.

While instances of moral depravity by the Israeli army have occurred in the past, the ongoing invasion of Gaza is taking place in an era defined by digital technology.

With soldiers equipped with smartphones, powerful communication instruments, the once clear boundaries between the battlefield and the digital domain have blurred significantly.

This phenomenon allows for the unchecked dissemination of unfiltered content, capable of both — shaping public perceptions and potentially altering the trajectory of conflicts. This also brings the extreme brutality of the war – right into our living rooms.

The emergence of these snuff videos has raised broader questions about the conduct of Israeli military in Gaza and the broader implications for international law and human rights.

Shocking insensitivity

"While there is a precedence to these acts of sharing [videos] in the cases of Ukraine and Russia as well as the US invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, these [Israeli] circulated videos are deeply unsettling given their sheer volume and shocking insensitivity to the Palestinian's civilian lives," Waleed F. Mahdi, Associate Professor, US-Arab Cultural Politics at the University of Oklahoma, told TRT World in an email interview.

Mahdi said it should come as no surprise that Israeli soldiers are sharing these videos to capture the moments, often in violation of the Israeli army's restrictions.

"There is certainly a level of impunity that affords these soldiers what they do. There is also a psychological ground in warfare that explains these acts," the expert said.

A systemic pattern

The impact of these videos extends beyond the realm of public opinion, with legal ramifications looming on the horizon.

Several videos have been cited as evidence in legal proceedings, including a case brought before the International Court of Justice by South Africa, accusing Israel of genocide.

Lisa Hajjar, professor and chair of the Sociology Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara, is renowned for her research on the sociology of law, conflict, human rights, political violence, and contemporary international affairs.

In an interview with TRT World, she highlighted the significance of Israeli soldiers documenting their actions, likening it to "trophy shots."

"This practice underscores a systemic pattern within the Israeli official apparatus, where Palestinians are consistently subjected to degrading language. Such behaviour, exemplified by enjoyment displayed while carrying out such actions, reinforces anti-Palestinian sentiments and reflects a complete disregard for the humanity of Palestinian civilians," she said.

In addition to the ethical and legal concerns raised by these videos, their emergence has also sparked a broader conversation about the role of social media in shaping perceptions of conflict and influencing public opinion.

As shockwaves reverberate throughout the international community in response to these revelations, calls for accountability are beginning to reverberate, urging swift action in the face of these harrowing revelations.

"The lack of clarity on whether the Israeli Army is taking disciplinary measures opens the door to speculations on whether these acts are more than individual acts and reflect a systemic issue," Mahdi of the University of Oklahoma said.