Some challenge the idea that the IDF is either particularly moral or follows the concept of " Purity of Arms " , but according to Gideon Levy , the " majority of the Israelis is still deeply convinced that their army , the IDF , is the most moral army of the world , and nothing else " . Criticism of the concept has centered on its consistency with international law , and the tendency for civilians to be killed in the process . Certain actions that have marked the army 's history are at the origins of the criticism . Among these are massacres that took place during the 1948 War , at Qibya , at Kafr Qasim , against prisoners of war , at Sabra and Shatila , or at Qana . To these may be added controversial operations such as the Battle of Jenin , Operation Cast Lead , and the Gaza Flotilla Raid . A number of these events led to rifts in Israeli society . The massacre of Sabra and Shatila in particular occasioned demonstrations that assumed an historic dimension within Israel
Sabra and Shatila
Sabra and Shatila massacre
Purity of arms