a notable point in here, particularly given the recent WCK murders:
In an unprecedented move, according to two of the sources, the army also decided during the first weeks of the war that, for every junior Hamas operative that Lavender marked, it was permissible to kill up to 15 or 20 civilians; in the past, the military did not authorize any “collateral damage” during assassinations of low-ranking militants. The sources added that, in the event that the target was a senior Hamas official with the rank of battalion or brigade commander, the army on several occasions authorized the killing of more than 100 civilians in the assassination of a single commander.
There are reports that low level Nazis involved in the Holocaust drank themselves stupid wracked with guilt. Meanwhile the IDF thinks they’re a bunch of comedians.
Dehumanization is often a tool to alleviate guilt, and protect your psyche.