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Argument: Targeted assassinations are consistent with international law

Issue Report: Assassination of a Dictator

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Steven R. David. “Fatal Choices: Israel’s Policy of Targeted Killing”. John Hopkins University. September 2002. – “Law and Targeted Killing The policy of targeted killing is fully consistent with Jewish and Israeli law, and is in accordance with most interpretations of international law as well. Regarding Jewish law, the “Rodef” injunction that appears in the Bible (Exodus 22:1) makes it abundantly clear that if someone is coming to kill you, you are obligated to kill them first. This obligation applies not only for one’s protection, but for the defense of one’s community as well. As such, killing a terrorist before he can act is not only permitted by Jewish law, it is required.”