Inside the IDF's cutting-edge 'targeting cell' course, shaped by lessons from the Gaza war

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has introduced a cutting-edge "targeting cell" officers' course, designed to enhance the coordination between disparate military assets such as aircraft, drones, tanks, artillery, and naval forces. This specialized training aims to streamline the process of identifying targets, reviewing intelligence, directing ground forces, and assessing risks to civilians and potential hostages.

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following a jump in the evolution of how war is fought, the training has to be unique, innovative, different, and cutting-edge.

According to the course commander, identified as Lt. Col. "R," the curriculum has been significantly shaped by the "climax" of new situations and lessons learned from recent conflicts, especially the war in Gaza. The IDF recognizes the need for unique, innovative, and cutting-edge training to adapt to the evolving nature of warfare. The course emphasizes inculcating the correct approach from the early stages of an officer's career, making it easier for them to "speak the language" and work smoothly with other military arms.

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This war has been a climax for new situations, variations, and learning, so we have accumulated tremendous lessons from the last three years, especially regarding new ways to work better and more rapidly when it comes to different arms of the military.

Historically, targeting cells were often assembled on an ad hoc basis, which could lead to miscommunication and less-trained personnel. This new course ensures that officers are already proficient in inter-branch cooperation from the outset. The training also places a strong emphasis on the ethical dimensions of warfare, including the imperative to avoid harming innocent persons, whether they are civilians or hostages.

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We need to inculcate the right approach from the start of officers’ training as a young officer. It is harder when someone comes from another area of the military. Part of this training involves working directly with other overlapping arms of the military from the very start of officer training.

Officers are trained to meticulously analyze battlespace specifics, including the presence of civilians or hostages, to execute complex missions effectively. The course explicitly addresses scenarios such as hostage situations and the full spectrum of operational challenges. This comprehensive approach reflects the IDF's commitment to refining its operational capabilities and ethical conduct in combat.

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The course teaches all of the issues related to war, ethics, and proper values. You need to avoid harming an innocent person [including Palestinians]. Officers are trained to closely analyze these issues to understand all the specifics of the battlespace, including whether there are citizens [like Israeli hostages] nearby, in order to carry out complex missions. We specifically discussed hostage situations and the full spectrum of situations.