Proposed military ethics changes spark national security concerns

Plans to alter military ethics codes and remove non-combatant protections have raised serious concerns.

Israeli politician Itamar Ben-Gvir announced plans to alter the military ethics code and remove protections for non-combatants if appointed defense minister. The proposal drew sharp criticism over fears it would escalate internal and external conflict.

• The proposalBen-Gvir plans to introduce explicit Jewish values into the armed forces code of conduct.
• The omissionThe revised guidelines would drop explicit rules against harming prisoners of war and non-combatants.
• The reactionCritics warn that the potential appointment represents a dangerous scenario for national stability.