Israeli Military’s Use of Combat Dogs in Gaza War Sparks International Outrage
Jerusalem — In a revelatory investigation by Arab Reports for Investigative Journalism (Arij) and the Guardian, it has been discovered that the Israeli military continuously receives combat dogs from Europe, allegedly used in anti-terror operations, including in the Gaza sector. This practice has sparked significant international attention and criticism, particularly from human rights organizations.
Background on Oketz: Israel’s Specialized Dog Unit
Oketz is a specialized dog unit within the Israeli military that predominantly utilizes the Malinois breed of Belgian shepherds, originally used for sheep herding but now trained for combat operations. According to American researcher John Spencer, 99% of the annual 70 military dogs bought by Israel come from European companies.
Serious Allegations From Human Rights Groups
Reports suggest that the use of these combat dogs has extended beyond anti-terror operations. Euro Med Human Rights Monitor recorded 146 cases since October 2023, while the Al-Hak Palestinian organization documented 18 cases of military dogs attacking civilians, including children. One notable tragic incident involved a young man with Down syndrome and autism who was mauled by a military dog in Gaza, left to die alone after his family was forced out of their home.
Animal Welfare Concerns and International Law Violations
Animal protection experts have strongly criticized this practice, labeling it a “moral violation.” Additionally, the UN has noted that using military dogs against Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons breaches international law. These issues highlight the broader ethical debates surrounding the weaponization of animals in warfare.
Call for an End to Dog Exports
Former UN specialist Richard Falk has urged European companies to cease exporting military dogs to Israel, emphasizing that continuing such exports makes these companies complicit in human rights violations. Investigations have revealed that companies from Germany, the Netherlands, Britain, Belgium, and the Czech Republic have supplied hundreds of dogs to Israel over recent years without proper tracking or regulation.
Israeli Defense’s Response
The Israeli army defends its use of military dogs by stating that it employs them in operations to eliminate threats, adhering to strict operational ethics and international law. They also emphasize the importance of the well-being of service dogs used in combat.
