What it’s about:

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed that approximately 17% of the Israeli soldiers’ deaths since the outset of the invasion of Gaza at the end of October through December were due to non-hostile incidents, such as accidents and friendly fire.

Why it matters:

This announcement highlights the risks that soldiers face in complex combat zones and raises questions about the safety measures and protocols in place during military operations. The accidental deaths have implications for the IDF’s training, operational conduct, and the way forward in managing the Gaza conflict.

By the numbers:

Out of 170 fatalities, 29 deaths were attributable to mishaps. Friendly fire claimed 18 lives. Two deaths were categorized as “exceptional fire incidents,” while nine involved various accidents, including incidents with tanks and demolition operations.

What’s next:

These revelations come at a time when the IDF is shifting its strategy, aiming for a decreased level of conflict and reducing the number of reservists on active duty. The public disclosure suggests a move towards transparency regarding operational challenges as the IDF navigates a potential transition to lower-intensity engagements.

Context:

The statistics provided have been confidential until now but indicate that most fatalities occurred during the active phases of the Gaza invasion. Zero deaths were recorded during a temporary ceasefire. Two deaths in the North and two in the Central Command also stemmed from accidents and an exception in fire exchange.

The bigger picture:

The figures underscore the hidden costs of urban warfare and operations in densely populated territories such as Gaza, where the IDF battles groups like Hamas. The data provided can lead to a reassessment of tactics to prevent future losses through fratricide or accidents.

This story was first published on jpost.com.