Israel’s response to the Hamas attack on Oct. 7 has sparked widespread protest among critics and soul-searching among supporters. The death of thousands of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip calls for a careful examination of the moral basis for Israel’s actions.
The “just war” theory, a prominent moral framework, offers a set of criteria to consider the use of force. While Israel has just cause and constitutes a legitimate authority, it falls short in meeting the other criteria. However, the fact that Hamas has violated these principles does not absolve Israel from its obligation to uphold higher moral standards.
If Israel is perceived to have committed war crimes, it could face consequences such as damage to its diplomatic standing and trade, as well as potential trials at the International Criminal Court or in nations with universal jurisdiction.
To determine the justness of Israel’s actions, each criterion and the evidence must be examined. Israel has just cause for self-defense and has a legitimate aim of neutralizing Hamas. However, its intent to establish long-term peace is questionable, as its government has shown little commitment to genuine peace efforts and has allowed the growth of settlements.
The net benefit of Israel’s actions is outweighed by the potential intergenerational rage and recruitment for extremist groups resulting from the loss of Palestinian lives. There is also a risk of a wider war and damage to Israel’s foreign relations.
Israel’s use of force should be the last resort, but it has dismissed direct negotiations and potential peace processes. The proportionality of means is also questionable, as civilian casualties and damage in Gaza far exceed any military advantage gained by Israel. Noncombatant distinction is another criterion, and while Israel claims to distinguish between fighters and civilians, urban warfare makes it difficult to avoid civilian casualties.
Israel’s conduct will be judged by the international community, and it will determine its place in history. It is hoped that this prospect will lead the Israeli government towards peaceful solutions rather than continued war.