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