Examining Israel's Actions in Iran and the Implications of Preemptive Strikes

Experts have stated that Israel's "preemptive" strikes on Iran are in violation of fundamental principles of international law. The deliberate targeting of nuclear scientists, protected under humanitarian law, could be considered unlawful killing.

The motivations behind Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to strike Iran are believed to be driven by a desire to alleviate mounting domestic and international pressure. This pressure stems from his ongoing military campaign and the aid blockade in Gaza, rather than legitimate self-defense concerns.

Ahmad Ghouri, an associate professor at the University of Sussex, explained that Israel's preemptive strikes on Iran contravene Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter. This article explicitly prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any manner inconsistent with the UN's purposes.

Israel's actions, including attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and the targeted killing of nuclear scientists, are considered an unlawful use of force. Furthermore, Article 51 of the UN Charter permits self-defense only in response to an actual armed attack, not based on perceived or potential threats. Therefore, Israel's justification of anticipatory self-defense does not meet the legal requirements.

Ghouri also noted that the Caroline doctrine, which allows for anticipatory self-defense under specific circumstances, does not apply in this case. The threat from Iran was not immediate, and diplomatic avenues had not been exhausted. The targeting of nuclear scientists is also illegal, as they are considered civilians under international humanitarian law unless directly participating in hostilities. Their deliberate targeting could constitute "unlawful killing".

Abdalfatah Asqool, a former international law lecturer, stated that no international law instrument justifies Israel's attacks on Iran. He described the use of self-defense as a justification for these attacks as "ridiculous and meaningless." He believes that the attacks are a result of the pressure Netanyahu is facing due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.