Document Type
Article
Disciplines
International Law
Abstract
The International Law Department (ILD) of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is a small unit of lawyers, entrusted with implementing the Laws of Armed Conflict within the IDF, through "legal operational advice. " This article analyzes the history and character of this unit, in view of recent operations of the IDF, and accusations of war crimes waged against IDF officers. The article suggests that the work of the ILD should be seen as part of the internalization of the Laws of Armed Conflict within Israeli society. The Laws of Armed Conflict have significantly developed in recent years. However, these developments are sometimes vague, and lack domestic legitimacy. ILD lawyers both interpret the relatively vague notions of the international law, and contribute to the creation of new legal norms. This process of internalization is essential in the attainment of legitimacy to the Laws of Armed Conflict, and to the transformation of domestic Israeli perceptions about this part of international law. The article also suggests how to improve the performance of the ILD, thereby enabling it to improve its performance and the process of internalization.
Recommended Citation
Cohen, Amichai, "Legal and Operational Advice in the Israeli Defense Forces: The International Law Department and the Changing Nature of International Humanitarian Law" (2011). Connecticut Journal of International Law. 509.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/cjil/509
Accessibility Requirements
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