Ex-Israeli Soldier on 'Mosquito Procedure': Palestinians Used as Human Shields

The 'Mosquito Procedure'

• 🎯 The "mosquito procedure" involves Israeli soldiers being ordered by senior officers to use nearby Palestinians as human shields.
• 💡 This practice is used to inspect buildings, tunnels, and other sites for explosives, allegedly to protect combat dogs and soldiers.
• 🇵🇸 Testimonies collected by Breaking the Silence indicate this protocol has been in place since the ground invasion of Gaza began in December 2023.

Historical Context and Legal Violations

• ⚖️ The "mosquito procedure" is described as a more severe version of the "neighbor procedure" from the Second Intifada, which was banned by Israel's Supreme Court.
• 🚫 Using Palestinians as human shields violates both international law and Israeli law.
• 📝 The Associated Press and Haaretz have also documented Israel's use of human shields, with the AP report relying partly on testimonies from Breaking the Silence.

Soldier Experiences and Dehumanization

• ⛓️ Soldiers reported that Palestinians were sometimes dressed in IDF uniforms and sent into dangerous areas, with some being referred to as a "sub army of slaves."
• 🏠 During periods when not actively inspecting sites, these individuals were often kept handcuffed and blindfolded, requiring soldiers to assist them with basic needs like eating and using the bathroom.
• 🧠 The term "mosquito" reflects a perceived dehumanization of Palestinians, likening them to insignificant pests.

Public and Political Response in Israel

• 🗣️ There is growing public anger in Israel, with widespread calls for Prime Minister Netanyahu to resign due to his handling of the war and hostage situation.
• 📉 Polls suggest a majority of Israelis, including some of Netanyahu's voters, are against the continuation of the war and favor a hostage deal.
• 📢 Protests have intensified, with demonstrators accusing the government of prioritizing Netanyahu's political survival over the release of hostages and the safety of soldiers.

IDF Response and Societal Context

• 🤷 The IDF often responds to violations by stating they are against regulations and promising education, but investigations are rare, leading to accusations of a lack of accountability.
• 📈 The IDF announced six investigations into the use of Palestinian human shields, which Breaking the Silence dismisses as insufficient given the widespread nature of the practice.
• 🌍 The demonization of Palestinians in Israeli society, exacerbated since October 7th, is seen as a root cause, with government officials making inflammatory statements that trickle down into the military's conduct.