Israeli army shoots first and finds reasons to justify mass killings later, veterans group says

Israeli troops have been accused of engaging in a practice known as "retrospective incrimination," according to a veterans' group, which claims that the military kills Palestinians and later seeks justification for the actions by linking the victims to armed groups. The allegations come from Breaking the Silence, an Israeli non-governmental organization composed of former and current military personnel. The group’s executive director, Nadav Weiman, told France 24 that this process involves identifying individuals killed during military operations as members of Hamas or other militant organizations, often long after the initial attack. The accusations focus on specific instances where Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. Weiman highlighted the operation around Nasser Hospital, where 15 paramedics were killed, and air strikes that reportedly led to the deaths of many civilians. He explained that after such attacks, Israeli intelligence collects data on the deceased and examines their connections to armed groups. This includes checking whether a victim was near a structure associated with Hamas, had relatives tied to militant groups, or had previously been listed on a suspected terrorist payroll. Weiman emphasized that the soldiers carrying out the attacks typically lack access to the detailed information used later to justify the action. He stated that the tanks firing at hospitals or residential areas did not possess comprehensive databases of potential targets beforehand. Instead, the justification comes afterward, when the military attempts to construct narratives that align with its operational goals. According to him, this approach enables the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to gain legitimacy both domestically and internationally, particularly in explaining their actions to the global public. The veterans' group asserts that these practices are not limited to isolated incidents but appear to be part of a broader policy. Soldiers’ testimonies gathered by Breaking the Silence suggest that the military often retroactively classifies Palestinians as terrorists, even when they were unarmed or underage. This has raised concerns about the adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilian lives during conflict. Additionally, the group pointed out that since October 7, 2023, the Israeli military has regarded cameras in Gaza as potential threats, treating them as legitimate targets under permissive rules of engagement. This has resulted in the deaths of several journalists and media workers, further complicating the ethical landscape of the ongoing conflict. Breaking the Silence argues that the military's narrative, which frames its actions as necessary for national security, is built upon post-hoc justifications rather than pre-planned strategies. The organization believes that this method allows the IDF to maintain control over the perception of its operations, thereby securing political and social support within Israel. The group continues to collect testimonies from soldiers, aiming to expose systemic patterns of behavior that may contradict international norms. These efforts underscore the growing scrutiny of the Israeli military's conduct in the region, especially regarding the treatment of civilians and the justification for lethal force. As the situation evolves, the implications of such practices could influence future policies and international responses to the conflict.