Did Israel Use "Disproportionate Force" in Gaza?


 

Publication Date: December 2008

Publisher: Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs

Author(s): Dore Gold

Research Area: International relations; Law and ethics

Keywords: hamas; gaza; israel

Type: Report

Coverage: Israel

Abstract:

The charge that Israel uses disproportionate force keeps resurfacing whenever it has to defend its citizens from non-state terrorist organizations and the rocket attacks they perpetrate. From a purely legal perspective, Israel's current military actions in Gaza are on solid ground. According to international law, Israel is not required to calibrate its use of force precisely according to the size and range of the weaponry used against it.