Q&A: Settlers of Huwara
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Settlers of Huwara
Question
Hello
Do you think there is a moral / values-based or halakhic flaw in the actions the settlers carried out yesterday in response to the attack (without addressing the problem of taking the law into their own hands and disobeying the laws of the state), if one accepts their basic assumption that these actions would create deterrence? (I am talking about damage to property, not harming the lives of innocent people.)
Answer
If this is the only way to prevent murderous terror attacks, then in my view it is legitimate.
Discussion on Answer
In practice, it is obviously forbidden. This was not an action to prevent terror but to vent rage. These are a gang of criminals who should be put in prison, and quickly.
And what does the Rabbi think in practice?