A violent attack in February 2023 left a young boy severely injured when an Israeli military dog attacked him during a raid on the Balata refugee camp in the West Bank. Amani Hashash was in her home with her four children when soldiers entered the house. She called out to inform them that the family posed no threat. But moments later, a large, unrestrained dog charged into the room, attacking her three-year-old son, Ibrahim, who was asleep in her lap.
The dog, believed to be a Belgian Malinois, latched onto Ibrahim and dragged him away, despite Hashash’s desperate attempts to intervene. She begged the soldiers to control the animal, but they failed to stop the attack in time. Ibrahim was left unconscious and bleeding heavily. He was rushed to the hospital where doctors performed surgery to treat extensive bite wounds, some as deep as 6.5 centimeters. He required 42 stitches and 21 injections for infections caused by the bites. More than a year later, Ibrahim still suffers from nightmares, and his injuries have not fully healed.
Hashash believes the attack was meant to terrorize them. According to her, an Israeli commander confirmed the dog was trained to attack anyone it encountered, and she expressed disbelief that a child was targeted. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) refused to comment on the incident.
The use of military dogs in Israel’s operations has come under increasing scrutiny. The dogs, including Belgian Malinois, are often sourced from Europe, with reports indicating that 99% of the dogs used by Israel’s Oketz unit are imported from European companies. These animals are specially trained for military purposes, including attack and detection, but rights groups argue that they are also used to terrorize Palestinian civilians, a practice that has intensified since the war in Gaza began. Reports from human rights organizations document over 140 cases of military dogs attacking civilians since October 2023.
In one instance, a dog attacked a man with Down’s syndrome and autism in Gaza, leaving him to die alone after soldiers forced his family out of their home. In another case, an elderly woman in Gaza was severely injured by a military dog during an attack. These incidents have sparked outrage, with animal welfare experts condemning the use of dogs as instruments of violence.
Critics argue that using dogs for such purposes is a violation of their natural instincts and a moral breach. Dr. Jonathan Balcombe, an animal behavior expert, described the practice as an exploitation of social creatures that do not understand the conflicts they are made to participate in.
The European Union has faced criticism for continuing to allow the export of military dogs to Israel, despite the risk that these animals may be used for violent purposes. According to documents obtained by investigative groups, dogs are routinely sent from European countries like Germany and the Netherlands to Israel, where they are trained for military operations. The Netherlands has issued veterinary certificates for over 100 dogs exported to Israel since late 2023, but the purpose of these animals is often unclear.
Israel maintains that its military dogs are used only for specific operational needs, under strict supervision, and in accordance with international law. However, human rights organizations continue to demand more transparency and accountability, calling for international regulations to prevent the weaponization of dogs in conflict zones.