Silencing Human Rights in the Clash of Arms? Israel’s Official Policy of “Targeted Killings”—A Dark Side in Fighting Terrorism

Jackson N. Maogoto, University of Newcastlle

Abstract

There is no act to which the law does not apply in as far as it is a matter falling within the purview of the law and the law takes a position as to whether it is permitted or forbidden. Where there are legal norms there are also legal standards to implement the norms. When a democracy fights terrorism the law cannot be presumed to be silent. International human rights law applies equally in war and in peace, and covers all classes of people at all times, and under all circumstances. The wide and sweeping notion of national security should not be allowed to allow a direct subversion of human rights as Israel continues it formal and public policy of “targeted killings’. The end justifies the means, is a dangerous notion where the twin pillars of civilized society apply-right to life and due process. Human rights law provides normative grounds for delimiting the lines between permissible and impermissible behaviour. The legality of the policy of “targeted killings” in light of international human rights law is the focus of this Article.