Existing international law is capable to govern the war on terror also in the aftermath of
September 11 2001. The standards generally applicable to targeted killings are those of human
rights law. Force may be used in order to address immediate threats preventive killings are
permitted under strict preconditions but targeted killings are prohibited. In the context of
armed conflicts these standards are complemented by international humanitarian law as lex
specialis. Civilians may only be targeted while directly taking part in hostilities and posing
a threat to the adversary. Also in Israel and the Occupied Territory these standards apply.
Contrary to the Israeli Supreme Court's view international humanitarian law is not
complemented by human rights law but human rights law is - to some degree - complemented by
international humanitarian law. According to these standards many killings which would be
legal according to the Israeli Supreme Court violate international law.
