A new documentary titled “Breaking Ranks: Inside Israel’s War,” which aired on UK network ITV, features unsettling firsthand accounts from Israeli soldiers deployed in Gaza, unveiling troubling patterns of systematic abuse during the ongoing conflict. Approximately 30 minutes into the film, a soldier poignantly recalls the harsh conditions, describing Gaza as a “zombie apocalypse” devoid of life and characterized by overwhelming destruction and despair.
The documentary encompasses testimonies from soldiers grappling with shame over their participation in what they refer to as a genocide. They reveal troubling details about military policies that disregard civilian life, the extensive damage to property, the indiscriminate use of drone strikes, and the controversial practice of employing human shields. One soldier, identified as Eli, articulated the psychological burden of these actions, expressing that contemplation of their impact can feel overwhelming.
As reported, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 69,000 people and injuries to hundreds of thousands, with international agencies suggesting that recovery for Gaza may take decades, if not longer. Israeli intelligence estimates indicate that approximately 83% of those killed have been civilians, raising serious ethical concerns about the military’s operational conduct.
In stark contrast to the lives lost, testimonies include interactions between soldiers and military chaplains promoting retaliatory violence against civilians. One commander, Major Neta Caspin, recalled discussions emphasizing a need for vengeance in response to an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties.
Additional details reveal the alarming suspension of rules regarding civilian engagements, where mere suspicion could lead to death. Army Captain Yotam Vilk highlighted the chaotic environment of Gaza, where crossing set lines could easily result in fatal repercussions.
Amid accusations of war crimes, Israeli officials have maintained that they investigate credible allegations. A report from Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) highlighted minimal follow-through on such claims, with a majority of investigations leading to no significant action.
The documentary also exposes disturbing practices within the military, including the so-called “mosquito protocol,” where captured Palestinians are used as human shields to scout areas for potential threats. Despite the recognition of international law, some soldiers expressed concerns that adherence was secondary to the prevailing ethos within the military.
As the conflict continues, the UN has reported that approximately 92% of Gaza’s housing stock is either destroyed or damaged, displacing around 1.9 million people. This extensive destruction encompasses essential societal institutions, with media footage showing soldiers celebrating acts of violence against civilian property.
“Breaking Ranks” paints a stark picture of a military increasingly detached from the consequence of its actions, illustrating a culture where life outside of Israeli borders is devalued. Many soldiers reflect on the emotional toll of their experiences, acknowledging a deep-seated shame over the ramifications of their service, with one soldier expressing a desire to grapple with this burden moving forward.
The documentary not only sheds light on the complexities of the ongoing conflict but also raises crucial questions regarding accountability and the long-term implications for both Israeli and Palestinian societies as they navigate this harrowing chapter in their shared history.