IDF Employs AI to Target Hamas Leaders, Locate Hostages

Israel has increasingly integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into its military operations in Gaza, using AI-driven tools for targeting, surveillance, and intelligence analysis. Notably, an AI-enhanced audio tool enabled Israeli forces to track and kill senior Hamas commander Ibrahim Biari in October 2023, although the strike also resulted in significant civilian casualties. The IDF has also utilized AI-powered facial recognition, automated target identification, and Arabic-language chatbots to process intercepted communications and social media posts. These technologies are developed through collaborations between Unit 8200 and reservists working at leading tech firms, fostering rapid innovation but also raising concerns over mistaken identifications and ethical implications. While AI has accelerated decision-making and improved precision, officials and observers acknowledge the risk of errors and civilian harm, prompting ongoing scrutiny of the balance between military effectiveness and humanitarian impact. Israel’s aggressive deployment of AI in wartime has set new precedents for modern warfare, making it a global testbed for combat-related AI applications.