Israeli Army’s Shocking Secret: 6X Daily Use of Human Shields Exposed

A senior Israeli officer has revealed that the military systematically uses Palestinian civilians as human shields during operations in Gaza. Writing anonymously for Haaretz, he detailed how soldiers force Palestinians to enter buildings first to check for explosives or fighters, a practice known as the “mosquito protocol.” Despite the availability of military dogs, commanders allegedly chose to use civilians because it was faster. He described the widespread practice as creating “a sub-army of slaves,” with nearly every unit relying on Palestinian captives. Using civilians as human shields is a war crime under international law, yet the Israeli army’s internal investigations into these allegations appear insufficient.

The officer recalled attending briefings where commanders openly justified the tactic as necessary for mission success. He criticized the leadership for either ignoring or endorsing the practice, arguing safer alternatives like drones or robots exist. Concluding his testimony, he warned that only an independent investigation could reveal the full scale of these abuses, cautioning that international courts may soon take action.

Israeli Army’s Shocking Secret: 6X Daily Use of Human Shields Exposed

A high-ranking Israeli military officer has come forward with alarming claims that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) routinely use Palestinian civilians as human shields during operations in Gaza. Writing anonymously in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the officer described this practice as part of an official protocol known as the “mosquito protocol,” which he alleges has become deeply ingrained in military operations.

According to the officer, soldiers regularly force Palestinian civilians to enter buildings or areas ahead of troops to check for hidden explosives, traps, or armed fighters. While trained dogs or robots are typically used for such dangerous tasks, the officer revealed that IDF units frequently bypass these methods in favor of coercing civilians—even when military dogs are available. He emphasized that this tactic is not occasional but systematic, with nearly every unit relying on Palestinians to minimize risks to soldiers’ lives.

A “Sub-Army of Slaves”

The officer harshly criticized the military’s approach, comparing it to operating a “sub-army of slaves.” Each unit, he explained, typically detains a Palestinian civilian—referred to as a “shawish” (a local term for someone forced into assisting soldiers)—to perform these perilous tasks during raids. Entire battalions reportedly depend on these individuals to secure buildings, clear routes, or absorb potential threats, effectively placing civilians on the front lines. The officer argued that this practice dehumanizes Palestinians, treating them as disposable tools rather than human beings protected under international law.

Violations of International Law

Using civilians as human shields is explicitly classified as a war crime under the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit armed forces from exploiting non-combatants to shield military operations. The officer warned that the IDF’s widespread use of this tactic could lead to severe legal consequences, including prosecution in international courts. While the Israeli military recently announced it had opened six investigations into alleged human shield cases, the officer dismissed these efforts as superficial. He insisted that a meaningful inquiry would require examining thousands of incidents, given the routine nature of the practice.

Commanders Normalize the Practice

The officer recounted a disturbing incident during a military briefing, where a senior commander openly defended the use of human shields as an “operational necessity.” The casual manner in which this justification was presented left the officer stunned. “It was so normal that I thought I was hallucinating,” he wrote. He further accused top military and government officials of either turning a blind eye to the issue or actively endorsing it, creating a culture where violating international norms is seen as acceptable.

Alternatives Ignored, Concerns Silenced

Despite the availability of safer alternatives—such as drones, robots, or surveillance technology—to scout hazardous areas without endangering lives, the officer claimed the military continues to prioritize the use of civilians. He expressed frustration over the lack of accountability, noting that even when soldiers raise ethical objections, their concerns are ignored or suppressed. While some troops reportedly refuse to participate in the practice, the majority comply due to institutional pressure or a misguided belief that it “saves Israeli lives.”

Calls for Independent Investigation

The officer concluded that only an independent, impartial investigation—free from military or government influence—could expose the full scale of these alleged abuses. He warned that without transparency, Israel risks not only global condemnation but also potential war crimes charges against its personnel in international tribunals. The current military-led probes, he argued, are designed to shield the institution rather than uncover the truth.

Broader Implications

This revelation sheds light on long-standing accusations by human rights groups, which have documented similar allegations against Israeli forces for over a decade. In 2005, Israel’s Supreme Court banned the use of human shields, ruling the practice illegal. However, activists argue enforcement has been weak, with sporadic reports of the tactic resurfacing during conflicts.

The officer’s account underscores a troubling disconnect between Israel’s legal obligations and on-the-ground military conduct. By normalizing the exploitation of Palestinian civilians, the IDF not only violates international law but also perpetuates a cycle of trauma and distrust in Gaza, where the civilian population already endures severe hardships under blockades and recurrent violence.

As pressure mounts for accountability, the officer’s testimony adds urgency to demands for third-party oversight. Until then, the use of human shields threatens to further erode Israel’s international standing and deepen the suffering of Palestinians caught in the crossfire.