Israel: High Court rules on targeted killings of terrorist suspects

On 14 December, on a petition filed by the Public Committee Against Torture (PCAT) in Israel, the High Court of Justice ruled that international law does not categorically prohibit targeted killings of terrorist suspects. The Court held that terrorist suspects remain civilians and can only be targeted when taking a direct part in hostilities. The Court rejected the Government’s argument that “terrorists” were “unlawful combatants” who could be legitimately targeted at any time.