The United States is examining a media report suggesting that the Israeli military has utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to identify bombing targets in Gaza. John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, informed CNN that the US has not independently confirmed the details of the report published by 972 Magazine and Local Call on Wednesday.
According to the media report, Israeli intelligence officials involved in a program known as “Lavender” allegedly marked tens of thousands of Gazans as suspects for assassination using an AI system with limited human oversight. However, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have denied these claims, stating that they do not employ an AI system to identify terrorist operatives or predict individuals’ status as terrorists. The IDF clarified that their information systems are tools for analysts in the target identification process, and analysts are required to conduct independent examinations to ensure targets comply with international law and Israeli guidelines.
During the CNN interview, Kirby also commented on reports regarding the Israeli security cabinet’s approval to open the Erez crossing with Gaza for humanitarian aid. He expressed that such a move would be welcomed and is aligned with what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed to US President Joe Biden during their recent call.
The White House revealed that Biden, in the call, emphasized conditioning support for Israel’s offensive in Gaza on taking concrete steps to protect aid workers and civilians. The context of this discussion comes in the aftermath of an attack by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israel on October 7, which resulted in casualties according to Israeli sources. Subsequently, Israel’s military actions in Gaza have led to significant loss of life, displacement, a humanitarian crisis, and allegations of genocide, which Israel denies.
Sources By Agencies
