IDF Code of Ethics

IDF's Code of Ethics, Ruach Tsahal (Hebrew: רוח צה"ל), literally Spirit of the IDF or IDF spirit is the official ethical doctrine that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) established to serve as the guiding moral principles for its soldiers.^[1][2]

Document structure

The "Spirit of the IDF" has four parts:^[1]

1. Introduction: Defines the purpose and mission of the military within the Israeli democratic society, the basic commitment of the military and its soldiers to the state, and the framework within which this commitment is realized.
2. Definition and Sources: A section that explains the nature of the document and presents its sources. The definition sets the essence of the document and its role.
3. Core Values: These are the fundamental values in the IDF, serving as the source of growth and inspiration for the other values in the document. They are the infrastructure and also the framework for the list of values, adding cohesion and logic to this list.
4. The List of Values: In this list are ten values derived from the core values and characterizing the desired behavior at all times of every soldier serving in the IDF. Some values, such as the sanctity of human life or the purity of arms, express moral ideals. Others, such as professionalism or discipline, are related to the nature of the military organization and are designed to help it function at its best in order to achieve its objectives.

Core values

The Israel Defense Forces is the military of the State of Israel. The IDF operates under the subordination of the democratic civilian authorities and the laws of the state. The purpose of the IDF is to protect the existence and independence of the State of Israel and to thwart enemy efforts to disrupt the normal way of life within it. IDF soldiers are obliged to fight, to dedicate all their strength, and even to risk their lives for the defense of the State of Israel, its citizens, and residents. IDF soldiers shall act according to the values of the IDF and its orders, while maintaining the laws of the state and human dignity, and honoring the values of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.

— From the IDF Code of Ethics

Fundamental values

• Defense of the State, its Citizens, and Residents – Reflects the basic objectives of the military organization of the State of Israel as a democratic and Jewish state.
• Love of the Homeland and Loyalty to the State while Adhering to the Laws of the State – Adds an emotional dimension, indicating the commitment of the state's residents to their land.
• Human Dignity – Imposes moral constraints on military activities and reflects additional values related to human dignity, such as the sanctity of life, purity of arms, and comradeship.
• Stateliness – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is an military of the people, a national military, subject to the authority of the law and the government. IDF soldiers will act with the mission, the values of the IDF, and the security of the state foremost in mind, doing so with integrity, professionalism, and representativeness. This value was not present in the original document of the IDF Spirit and was added by the Chief of General Staff Aviv Kochavi in 2022.^[3]

List of values

The IDF's Code of Ethics has 10 values derived from the basic principles and characterizing the desired behavior at all times of every soldier serving in the IDF.^[1]

The list of values is arranged alphabetically, except for the value at the top of the list: "Devotion to Mission and Drive for Victory." The alphabetical order is intended to emphasize that there is no difference between the values, and that the aspiration to fulfill them is entirely equal. Only the principle of "Devotion to Mission and Drive for Victory" supersedes all other values, and is supposed to be foremost in the minds of IDF soldiers, or in other words, "First among equals." List of values:

1. Devotion to Mission and Drive for Victory. A soldier will fight and act courageously in the face of all dangers and obstacles before him, and will adhere to his mission with determination and wisdom, even to the point of risking his life.
2. Responsibility. The soldier will see himself as an active partner in the defense of the state's security, its citizens, and residents. The soldier will act with consistent involvement, initiative, and diligence, within his authority, ready to bear responsibility for the outcomes of his actions.
3. Integrity. The soldier will present things as they are, completely and accurately, in planning, execution, and reporting, and will act so that his peers and commanders can rely on him in carrying out missions.
4. Personal Example. The soldier will behave according to what is required of him and will fulfill what he demands of others, recognizing his ability and responsibility, both in and out of the army, to set a worthy example.
5. Human Life. The soldier will act sensibly and safely in all his actions, recognizing the supreme importance of human life. In combat, he will risk himself and his peers to the extent necessary to accomplish the mission.
6. Purity of Arms. The soldier will use his weapons and force only for the mission, only to the extent necessary, and will maintain human dignity even in combat. The soldier will not use his weapons and power to harm non-combatants and prisoners, and will do everything in his power to prevent harm to their lives, bodies, honor, and property.
7. Professionalism. A soldier will strive to acquire the professional knowledge and skills required to perform his role and will implement them while striving for continuous improvement of personal and unit achievements.
8. Discipline. The soldier will act to the best of his ability to fully and successfully fulfill what is required of him according to the commands and their spirit. The soldier will ensure that only lawful orders are given and will not obey manifestly unlawful orders.
9. Comradeship. The soldier will act out of brotherhood and dedication to his fellow servicemen and will always come to their aid when they need him or depend on him, despite any danger or difficulty, even to the point of risking his life.
10. Mission. The soldier will see his military service as a mission; he will be ready to contribute everything in his power to the defense of the state, its citizens, and residents. This while being a representative of the IDF

History

In 1994, the IDF recognized the need for a formal ethical framework and established a committee to develop what would become "The Spirit of the IDF." Major General Yoram Yair, who was serving as the commander of the Manpower Directorate within the General Staff at the time, led this committee. The team included Professor Asa Kasher from Tel Aviv University, a philosopher with expertise in Professional Ethics.^[4]

Upon completion and adoption of the code, a standing order was issued stating that after five years, a review committee would assess the code's integration into the IDF. However, the initial attempt at integration failed, partly because, as some critics pointed out, there was no strategic implementation plan.^[2]

By the year 2000, with a view to revising the IDF's ethical code, the Chief Education Officer, Brigadier General Elazar Stern, appointed a new committee.^[5] This committee consisted of several esteemed professors, Avi Sagi, Danny Statman, Avshalom Adam, Shaul Smilansky, Noam Zohar, and Moshe Halbertal, who were known for their expertise in ethics and moral philosophy. High-ranking IDF officers, including Major General Yishai Beer and Colonel Yaakov Castel, were also part of the committee. The General Staff approved the revisions, leading to a new iteration of "The Spirit of the IDF," which differed from the original document created by Major General Yoram Yair and Professor Kasher.^[6][7]

Implementation and integration

Dr. Avshalom Adam developed the implementation strategy for the ethical code, and the Chief of General Staff later approved it. The process was first integrated within the IDF's Ground Forces, with the Artillery Corps serving as the pilot group.

Traditionally, each new conscript was given a copy of "The Spirit of the IDF" as part of their service book, although this practice has ceased. However, the principles of the code are still disseminated during basic training through educational lectures.

Recent developments

In 2022, under the leadership of Chief of General Staff Aviv Kochavi, an additional value, "Stateliness" was incorporated into "The Spirit of the IDF," reflecting the evolving nature of military ethics and the importance of aligning with contemporary values and strategic thinking.^[2]

References