Ethics as a Weapon of War
Militarism and Morality in Israel

This book examines theories of morality and ethics in war through a comprehensive study of the Israel Defence Forces.

James Eastwood (Author)

9781108400978, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 26 March 2020

302 pages, 3 b/w illus. 1 table
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.45 kg

What role does ethics play in modern-day warfare? Is it possible for ethics and militarism to exist hand-in-hand? James Eastwood examines the Israeli military and its claim to be 'the most moral army in the world'. This claim has been strongly contested by human rights bodies and international institutions in their analysis of recent military engagements in the West Bank, Gaza and Lebanon. Yet at the same time, many in Israel believe this claim, including the general public, military personnel and politicians. Compiled from extensive research including interviews with soldiers, Eastwood unpacks the ethical pedagogy of the Israeli military, as well as soldier-led activism which voices a moral critique, and argues that the belief in moral warfare doesn't exist separately from the growing violence of Israel's occupation. This book is ideal for those interested in military ethics and Israeli politics, and provides crucial in-depth analysis for students and researchers alike.

Introduction: 'the most moral army in the world'
1. Militarising the ethical turn
2. 'The Spirit of the IDF'
3. 'Keeping a human image': military ethical pedagogy in the IDF
4. 'Meaningful service': ethics and pedagogy at pre-military academies in Israel
5. Between guilt and anxiety: collecting testimony in Breaking the Silence
6. 'Creating a moral conversation': the public activism of Breaking the Silence
Conclusion: towards an anti-militarist ethics.

Subject Areas: Settlement of international disputes [LBH], International law of territory & statehood [LBBJ], International relations [JPS], Ethical issues & debates [JFM]