As tensions escalate in the occupied territories and with Iran, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly adopted artificial intelligence (AI) to aid in selecting targets for air strikes and managing wartime logistics.
The use of AI recommendation systems enables the processing of vast amounts of data to identify potential targets for air strikes. Additionally, an AI model called Fire Factory assists in organizing raids by calculating munition loads, prioritising and assigning targets to aircraft and drones, and proposing a schedule.
Although the IDF claims that human operators supervise and approve specific targets and air raid plans, there are no laws at the state or international levels that regulate the use of this technology. AI’s supporters contend that its sophisticated algorithms can improve military capabilities and possibly reduce losses.
Critics, however, raise serious issues with depending on more autonomous systems, emphasising the lack of accountability and transparency. There are concerns that in the event of an AI mistake, terrible consequences, such as targeting innocent populations, may occur without a proper justification or responsibility.