Targeted Killings: Ethical & Operational Dilemmas

Abstract

ABSTRACT The use of targeted killings as a counterterrorism strategy requires a well-calculated decision-making process. While targeted killings can be beneficial for the protection of national security, they might as well result in a “Boomerang Effect,” counterproductively increasing terrorists’ support and motivation to perpetrate other attacks. Which key ethical and operational questions should be asked to evaluate whether it is “worthwhile” to carry out a targeted killing operation? With special emphasis on the Israeli case study, this article draws an ethical paradigm to assess the legality and legitimacy of targeted killings. In addition, it presents six different quantitative and qualitative indexes that reflect potential benefits stemming from a targeted killing activity. These include (1) thwarting attacks; (2) damaging the organization’s activity; (3) morale effect; (4) deterrence; (5) changing the organization’s strategic decisions; and (6) the eradication of the organization. Finally, this “effectiveness model” suggests four criteria to examine the costs of the targeted killing activity over the short, medium and long terms.