The second issue of the IDI Terror and Democracy Newsletter briefly discusses three recent developments in Israel's fight against terrorism: First, we address one aspect of "Operation Cast Lead" – the legitimacy of Israel's self-defense claim against Hamas within the context of the global discussions on whether a state may exercise the right to self-defense against terrorist groups. Second, we feature a newspaper investigative report published in Haaretz several months ago, which discussed the thin line that separates IDF targeted killing operations and arrest operations that involve the lethal use of force in the West Bank. Finally, we address a recent Israeli lower court decision, which held that the State of Israel is responsible for maintaining law and order in the aftermath of terrorist attacks in order to prevent vigilante responses.
The monthly IDI Terror and Democracy Newsletter aims to shed light on some relatively unknown measures and policies adopted by Israel or related to the situation in Israel, and to foster discussion on the balance between security interests, on one hand, and democratic principles and human rights, on the other hand. It surveys recent developments in Israeli law and practices that are intended to mitigate or repress terrorist threats. The IDI believes that a greater familiarity with Israel's experience in this area may be of value to other societies; we also believe that engaging in international and comparative discourse about Israel's experience is valuable to Israeli society.
Terrorism and Democracy Newsletter: Issue No. 2, February 2009