CV

    Colonel (Res.) Adv. Pnina Sharvit Baruch joined the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) as a senior researcher in 2012. She retired from the Israel Defense Forces in 2009, after serving in the International Law Department of the Military Advocate General (MAG) Unit for twenty years, five of which (2003 - 2009), she was head of the Department. In this capacity, she was a senior legal advisor responsible for advising IDF commanders and decision makers at the governmental level on a wide variety of issues relating to international law and administrative law, among them: the laws of armed conflict and occupation of territory; naval law; counter-terrorism; security liaison; border demarcation; and conflict resolution. She commanded the operational legal advisors at the IDF. Adv. Sharvit Baruch also served as a legal advisor in Israel's delegations to negotiations with the Palestinians, from the early contacts and thereafter. In 2000, she also participated in the negotiations with Syria.

    Following her retirement from the IDF she was a lecturer at the faculty of Law at the Tel Aviv University, where she taught courses on public international law and on legal aspects of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. She also taught a course on the laws of armed conflict at the Israel National Defense College.

    She is a member of the board of several organizations, including the International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists (IJL) and Forum Dvorah – Women in Foreign Policy and National Security. She also represents this Forum at the Civil Society Advisory Panel (CSAP) to NATO on women, peace and security. She is also a member of the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network (MWMN). Adv. Sharvit Baruch holds an LL.B. degree (magna cum laude) and an LL.M. degree (magna cum laude), both from Tel Aviv University.

    Pnina Sharvit Baruch
    Pnina Sharvit Baruch
    Senior Researcher
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    pninasb@inss.org.il
    03-640-0466
    Policy Research
    Israel’s International Standing: Between Delegitimization, Criticism, and Israeli Responsibility
    This policy paper examines the severe decline in Israel’s international standing and emphasizes that international legitimacy is not merely a matter of image, but a crucial strategic asset. The study rejects the simplistic view that “the whole world is against us” and that Israel’s conduct therefore does not matter, proposing instead to distinguish between a hostile core, ideological critics, audiences that are not hostile to Israel but have grown distant from it, and supporters. The document calls for adopting a differentiated policy that combines countering hostile elements with taking accountability and rectifying Israeli conduct in specific areas, in order to preserve and restore Israel’s international standing.
    13 October, 2026
    INSS Insight
    The Strait of Hormuz as a Key Theater of War—The Legal Dimension
    A legal perspective on Iranian activity in the Strait of Hormuz, which is shaking the global economy
    29 March, 2026
    INSS Insight
    Trump’s Board of Peace: An Initiative for the Gaza Strip or an Alternative to the UN?
    What is the mission of the international board established by the US president as part of his plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip—and what are the implications of Trump’s move?
    4 February, 2026
    INSS Insight
    Operation "Gideon's Chariots" – Crossing Red Lines?
    This article aims to highlight problematic aspects of the operational plan in Gaza, as reflected in political discourse, which run the risk of constituting violations of international law which could amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity
    4 June, 2025
    INSS Insight
    The Arrest Warrants From the International Criminal Court in The Hague: A Serious and Dangerous Decision—What Now?
    The implications and consequences of the precedent-setting decision to issue arrest warrants against Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant
    8 December, 2024
    Strategic Assessment
    The International Legal Front in a Military Campaign
    Alongside the military campaign on the physical battlefield is a concomitant campaign in the international arena dominated by considerations of legality and legitimacy. This campaign directly impacts the political results of the military campaign. Israel often finds itself accused by international organizations, the global media, and civil society organizations of war crimes. As a result, it faces international pressure to take action to restrain the IDF, which would thereby reduce its operational freedom. This article analyzes the primary charges against IDF activity regarding the use and application of force, explains the main principles of the laws of armed conflict, and distinguishes between the legality of actions and their legitimacy in public opinion. In addition, it describes the excessive focus on Israel by UN institutions and the investigation opened by the International Criminal Court regarding Israel. The article ends with recommendations for Israel as it confronts the international legal campaign.
    When all criticism looks like hostility, both sides lose to their extremes
    Pnina Sharvit Baruch
    ,The Jerusalem Report
    1 October, 2026
    On The Record
    Pnina Sharvit Baruch
    ,i24news
    6 January, 2026