This month's issue of the IDI Terrorism and Democracy Newsletter briefly discusses three recent developments related to Israel's fight against terrorism: First, we address the decision of a Spanish magistrate to open a criminal investigation against senior Israeli officials for allegedly violating international law in the course of a 2002 targeted killing operation. This decision exemplifies the increasing role of international criminal law in reviewing the legality of counter-terrorism measures. The second development that is addressed is a recent house demolition order pertaining to the dwelling of an East Jerusalem terrorist, which was approved by the Israeli Supreme Court in March 2009. This ruling follows a previous house demolition decision issued in January 2009, and suggests a growing willingness on the part of the Israeli legal system to resort to exceptional and controversial counter-terrorism measures. Finally, the newsletter summarizes the main findings concerning terrorism and counter-terrorism, which were published in the US State Department 2008 report on human rights in Israel and the occupied territories. The report describes an "equilibrium of violence" between Israel and Palestine, but identifies a sharp increase in rocket attacks on Israel and a rise in settler violence.
The monthly IDI Terrorism and Democracy Newsletter aims to shed light on some relatively unknown measures and policies adopted by Israel or related to 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 reduce or repress terrorist threats. IDI believes that a greater knowledge of 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.
To join the "Terrorism and Democracy" community and receive the upcoming newsletters, please email us at: td_news@idi.org.il