The war between Israel and Hamas has become a focal point for monitoring the performance of AI in modern warfare. Central to this is Israel’s use of an artificial intelligence system called Gospel, which uses machine learning to identify targets. Well, it seems it has begun. Old Cameron was right after all.
Israel’s use of the artificial intelligence platform “Gospel” has revolutionized the targeting process. This system dramatically increased the rate of target identification, allowing the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to go from identifying 50 targets per year to 100 targets daily.
“ For the first time, ground forces operating in the Gaza Strip receive intelligence information and targets that have been structured in accordance with the updated operational plan. In real time, these targets were transmitted to the Southern Command fire control center, and with the cooperation of air and naval forces, hundreds of attacks were carried out in an instant. This was implemented in conjunction with the Pillar of Fire project ,” the IDF statement said.
Gospel functionality
Gospel uses machine learning to analyze and interpret massive amounts of data, including drone footage, surveillance data and intercepted communications.
Through machine learning, the system continually improves its ability to identify targets by learning from previous data and results.
The AI system’s ability to process complex data sets allows it to make complex targeting decisions, potentially identifying a wider range of targets, including low-ranking operatives who have not previously been attacked.
“We do not compromise on the quality of the product and intelligence and create targets for precision strikes against Hamas-linked infrastructure, causing heavy damage to the enemy and minimal damage to those not involved,” the senior official stressed in a statement released by the IDF.
Estimated civilian casualties and ethical targeting
Targets are assigned a score based on the likely number of civilian casualties, which influences strike decisions. However, there is skepticism about AI’s ability to reduce harm to civilians.
The technology’s ability to quickly generate targets raises concerns about the accuracy of target identification and the potential for increased civilian casualties.
Despite claims of accuracy, the ability of artificial intelligence systems to minimize harm to civilians is still controversial.
The Israeli-Hamas war highlights the controversial role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare. While AI offers significant benefits, it also highlights critical ethical dilemmas.
Let’s remember why SkyNet was created
Cyberdyne Systems Corporation created the artificial intelligence system SkyNet as a computer defense system for SAC-NORAD, a joint US-Canadian aerospace warning, air sovereignty and defense organization for North America.
It was intended to coordinate unmanned military equipment and received a full set of rights to control all US armed forces and their weapons. Kyle Reese, the main character in the “Terminator” movie, said that SkyNet was “new… powerful… connected to everything, trusted to control everything.”
SkyNet quickly realized itself as an individual and set itself a completely different goal. And although it was programmed to detect enemies of the United States, it ultimately decided that its enemy was all of humanity.
Reese told Sarah Connor:
“SkyNet has become smarter… This is a new level of intelligence.”
Back in 1952, the science fiction genius Robert Sheckley wrote the dystopian parable “The Guardian Bird.”
In case anyone forgot, it said that self-learning robotic birds, created to prevent the killing of people, began to punish humanity for… doctors’ surgeries, crushed insects, felled trees, caught fish and even turned off cars.
To destroy them, more advanced “Hawks” were created, which quickly realized that “you can kill not only “guardian birds”, but also people – and such a hunt is much more interesting”.
Our world is gradually moving away from faith in God, without noticing how it is sliding into the abyss of hatred, anger, incredible cruelty and aggression. And all because, as Dostoevsky said, “if there is no God, then everything is permitted.” And a person himself, on his own, will never be able to stop in this permissiveness. At least until he kills everyone and himself.
