____________________________________________ 3 IICC Perspectives A state has the innate right and obligation to defend itself and its inhabitants with military action against enemy forces and the enemy's aggressive capabilities, and therefore initiating the Iron Swords War was clearly justified. The moral concept of self-defense is not limited to stopping an individual attack. When the enemy has shown its capabilities and preparedness to attack, it is reasonable to assume it will repeat the attack on a future occasion. The concept of self-defense means military measures can be employed to destroy the enemy's ability to attack again, not only immediately but in the foreseeable future. The terrorist organizations not only attacked and massacred men, women and children, but also abducted civilians, soldiers and guest workers to the Gaza Strip. A democratic state clearly has the obligation to all the hostages to affect their release, through both practical action and negotiation. The imminent danger to their lives and safety is extreme and not directly addressed by the state forces. No danger is more serious to the lives and safety of citizens, and therefore their rescue is of the highest importance to the self-defense of the state. The IDF's military activities at the beginning of the war destroyed a significant part the terrorist organizations' capabilities and force and the danger they now pose to the country and its inhabitants is far smaller than the danger threatening the hostages, thus rescuing them is more important than eradicating the terrorist organizations. Israel's actions had to be justified not only at the beginning of the war, but at every stage where a decision has been made to continue fighting for new objectives according to new policy decision, and to continue endangering the soldiers' lives. From the perspective of the state's obligations to its soldiers, justification for the war will continue as long as its objectives are necessary, despite the danger to the lives of the combatants. If there is no moral justification to tell the soldiers that there is no choice other than combat, there is a danger that soldiers who die will have fallen in vain. A democratic country cannot be in a situation where fighting continues for political or personal considerations without the justification of absolute necessity. 'Daily Mail' front page brings the story of Noa Argamani, being kidnaped by Hamas 'Nuhba' terrorists, taken on motorcycle to Gaza. 'Sunday Express' front page describing Hamas horror attack along the border with the Gaza Strip.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgzNzA=