Morpheus was created when the IDF discovered Hamas had built a vast database of its bases using content uploaded by soldiers themselves.

By Hezy Laing

The Israel Defense Forces have introduced a new artificial intelligence system called Morpheus, designed to scan the public social media accounts of soldiers and flag posts that reveal bases, weapons, or classified details.

The need for Morpheus became urgent after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, when Israeli intelligence discovered that Hamas had built a vast database of IDF bases and troop movements using photographs and videos uploaded by soldiers themselves.

Posts showing barracks, armored vehicles, and even entry points to bases were exploited to plan infiltration routes and maximize casualties.

Army Radio reported that Morpheus will monitor the public accounts of approximately 170,000 active duty soldiers, analyzing text, photos, and videos in real time.

If a violation is detected, the soldier receives an automatic notification to delete the post, and in serious cases, an information security officer calls directly.

The platform was developed inside the IDF’s Technology and Logistics Directorate with support from Unit 8200 engineers, who adapted computer vision and natural language processing tools to military security needs.

Soldiers have reacted with mixed feelings.

Some acknowledge the necessity, citing the October 7 intelligence failures, while others complain of intrusive surveillance and fear that their personal lives are being monitored.

The IDF insists that Morpheus only scans public accounts and cannot access private messages.

Morpheus works by combining computer vision, natural language processing, and machine learning algorithms to scan soldiers’ public social media posts.

The system analyzes images for visual markers like weapons or base structures, cross‑checks text for sensitive keywords, and instantly flags violations, ensuring rapid detection even in real‑time environments.

Compared to other armies, Israel is pioneering this level of AI‑driven monitoring.

The U.S. military issues strict guidelines but does not yet employ a system that automatically scans and flags posts.

NATO forces rely on manual oversight and disciplinary action rather than real‑time AI alerts.

Israel’s approach reflects its unique security environment, where adversaries like Hamas and Hezbollah actively mine open‑source intelligence.

Three recent cases illustrate Morpheus’s effectiveness.

In November 2025, a soldier posted a selfie at the entrance to the Palmachim Airbase, which was immediately flagged and removed.

In another case, a Golani Brigade conscript uploaded a video showing weapons storage racks inside a base near Jenin, triggering an alert within minutes.

A third incident involved a paratrooper posting drone footage of a training exercise in the Jordan Valley, which Morpheus identified as exposing classified tactics.

By combining artificial intelligence with strict enforcement, the IDF hopes to prevent enemies from exploiting soldiers’ online activity, ensuring that the lessons of October 7 are not repeated.