Full Breakdown
Ben-Gvir’s Plan to Redefine the IDF’s Ethical Framework
By Drooid · · How we work
Proposed Overhaul of the IDF Code of Ethics
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, also chairman of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, announced a draft revision to the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) Code of Ethics that would be implemented if he becomes defense minister. The draft seeks to replace the long-standing principle of “Purity of Arms” with a new tenet called “Righteousness of Arms.” It also proposes to remove language requiring the use of force “only to the extent necessary,” eliminate explicit prohibitions on harming “non-combatants” and prisoners of war, and strip references to “universal moral values” from the code.
Intended Ethical Shifts
The proposal reframes the IDF’s purpose as achieving decisive victory over the enemies of the State of Israel and the Jewish people while safeguarding national security. It emphasizes the army’s identity as a “Jewish, state-run army” and expands the sources of its values to include biblical teachings, Jewish ethics, and Jewish law. At the same time, the draft affirms a commitment to “human dignity,” stating that every person possesses inherent worth regardless of origin, religion, nationality, gender, status, or position.
Official Position and Rationale
Ben-Gvir presented the changes as a means to strengthen the military’s Jewish identity and to place greater emphasis on victory in battle. The proposal was unveiled ahead of a scheduled press conference on September 22, 2026, where Ben-Gvir and fellow Otzma Yehudit member Tali Gottlieb are expected to discuss the plan.
Potential Implications
If adopted, the revised code would shift the IDF’s operational guidance from a restraint-focused doctrine to one that prioritizes offensive action and a broader definition of moral authority based on Jewish tradition. The removal of safeguards for non-combatants and the new “Righteousness of Arms” principle could affect the army’s engagement rules in future conflicts, while the stated commitment to human dignity seeks to balance the more aggressive language. The plan’s future depends on Ben-Gvir’s appointment to the defense portfolio and subsequent legislative approval.