Ben Gvir Proposes Overhaul of IDF Code of Ethics and 'Righteousness of Weapons'

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has unveiled his proposed amendments to the IDF's code of ethics, pledging to implement the changes if he is appointed defense minister following the upcoming Knesset elections.

Overhauling IDF Core Values

According to Ben Gvir's office, the revised code is designed to strengthen the military's Jewish identity and emphasize the imperative of achieving total victory in combat. The updated draft explicitly redefines the primary mission of the IDF as striving for victory and defeating the enemies of the State of Israel and the Jewish people.

The proposal broadens the ideological foundations of the military, incorporating Jewish moral values derived from the Bible, Hebrew law, and historical tradition. It also officially designates the state as a Jewish national home and defines the military as a "Jewish, state army."

Replacement of Purity of Arms

One of the most significant changes involves replacing the traditional principle of "purity of arms" with a new concept termed "the righteousness of weapons." This revised doctrine incorporates the Talmudic maxim, "If someone comes to kill you, rise up and kill him first."

"The primary morality guiding a soldier in the execution of mission is the fundamental rule of preemptive self-defense against those who seek our lives," the proposal states.

Additionally, the new draft removes phrasing that restricted combatants to using force "only to the necessary extent," deletes explicit prohibitions against harming civilians or prisoners of war, and completely eliminates references to "universal moral values."

Key Principles of the Proposed Code

• Mission Objective: Achieving victory, defeating enemies, and securing the nation.

• Commitment: Loyalty to the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic home.

• Human Dignity: Upholding the value of individuals regardless of origin, religion, or gender.

• Statehood: Operating as the people's army under civilian government authority.