How Technology will Aid the Conflict Between Israel and Hamas: The Role of Artificial Intelligence

Professor Alex Mintz, head of the laboratory for computerized decision-making at Reichman University and former rector of the university, presented a computerized analysis of the decisions of Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, at the Herzliya 2024 conference. The analysis focused on predicting Sinwar’s future decisions based on past and future critical decisions. The study utilized advanced software called DecisionHuddleAi to predict the conduct of Hamas and possible response scenarios in different strategic situations.

Professor Mintz highlighted that Sinwar makes decisions rationally from his own perspective, guided by the goals of the terrorist organization he leads. The analysis delved into understanding Hamas’s interests, such as ending the war, Israeli withdrawal, humanitarian aid, and prisoner exchange, emphasizing the preservation of Hamas rule and its leaders. Through DecisionHuddleAi, various scenarios were examined, including the normalization scenario with Saudi Arabia and the impact of Israel’s presence in Rafah on Hamas.

According to Professor Mintz, utilizing artificial intelligence tools allows for a quicker and more accurate analysis of the opponent’s decision-making without biases. This method, known as applied decision analysis, replicates the opponent’s previous decisions to identify decision patterns and predict future decisions. He mentioned the significant initiative by the US Pentagon in artificial intelligence for decision-making and emphasized the importance of these tools in the defense field.

Professor Mintz highlighted the new possibilities offered by using artificial intelligence in strategic analysis, allowing decision-makers to anticipate the opponent’s actions. He emphasized the potential to predict Yahya Sinwar’s decisions, revealing his regular decision-making pattern from a unique, terrorist perspective. Mintz explained that Sinwar aims to promote his goals, including the preservation of Hamas rule, through tactics like Israeli withdrawal to control the Strip and maintain leadership.