Compensation for Victims of Terrorist Actions: Israel as a Case Study

Abstract

The State of Israel has been subjected to numerous terrorist attacks since its establishment in 1948. The issue of rehabilitation, treatment, and compensation of victims of terrorism has been extensively regulated by its law. Special state funds for compensation of victims of terrorism have been established. This brief will describe the management and distribution of state funds to such victims. In addition, the right of victims to collect damages from those responsible for terrorist attacks will be analyzed. Specifically, this brief will explore whether victims of terrorism in Israel, as a precondition for filing for state compensation, are required to waive their rights to sue those responsible for the attack, and whether the State is entitled to reimbursement for money paid to victims. In addition, the right of Israeli victims of terrorism to sue knowing or unknowing tortfeasors and to sue terrorist states or quasi states will be analyzed. Special attention will be made to the application of the doctrine of foreign sovereign immunity to states and bodies responsible for terrorist actions.