Israeli forces display power of Al, but it's a double-edged sword

Integrating Al in defence is a complex issue that countries like Singapore must contend with. Israel’s recent operations show why.

- Michael Raska

On April 13, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), in collaboration with the US, British, French and Jordanian air forces, successfully intercepted over 300 incoming drones and missiles launched from Iran. Credit for this should go to Israel's multilayered air defence systems, which use artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to track and intercept missiles in real time.

These AI algorithms enable split-second decision-making and target allocation for Israel's air defences the Arrow missile defence system, David's Sling, and Iron Dome systems.

But AI can also be used when a nation goes on the offensive and this has raised some serious concerns. For example, media reports by Israeli publications +972 Magazine and Local Call have shed light on Project Lavender, an Al-powered database allegedly used by the IDF to identify bombing targets in Gaza with minimal human oversight.

According to the report, Project Lavender uses AI to process vast amounts of data to generate potential targets for air strikes, including individuals affiliated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

The report claims that Lavender's targets played a significant role in Israel's military operations in Gaza, particularly during the initial weeks of a conflict that resulted in massive casualties among Palestinians.

The IDF has refuted the claims made in the media report, stating that Lavender is not a system designed to target civilians but rather a database used to cross-reference intelligence sources and gather information on military operatives of terrorist organisations.

But the controversy underscores the challenges of using AI in military operations, including concerns about transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making in conflict situations.

THE SHIFT TOWARDS AI

While the specifics of Project Lavender remain shrouded in secrecy, sources suggest that the IDF's strategies are increasingly being driven by Al.