What is a Just War?
Jewish teachings suggest that war to achieve justiceWhen the right and fair thing is done. or end oppression is acceptable:
The sword comes into the world because of justice delayed and justice denied.
A Just WarA war fought on certain philosophical and religious principles. is a morally acceptable war which must be fought for justified reasons such as:
- protection and self-defence
- prevention of a greater evil
- good versus evil
- restoring law and order
- where efforts have already been made to avoid war
Judaism has traditionally identified two kinds of wars which can be fought and any other kind of fighting is forbidden. There is much debate about whether these two kinds of war may be applied to situations today.
Milchemet mitzvah
A Milchemet mitzvah is a war commanded by God and is similar to a holy warA war believed to be supported by God.. This is known as an 'obligatory war' and it is therefore compulsory to fight by order and in honour of God. Conditions of this type of war are that the enemy must have attacked first. An example of an obligatory war is mentioned in Jewish scriptures when JoshuaJoshua is a figure within the Torah and was an assistant to Moses. Joshua became leader of the Israelites after Moses was killed. and the IsraelitesThe descendants of the patriarchs who lived in the land of Canaan, which is also called the Land of Israel. fought to return to the Promised LandThe land promised by God to Abraham (Genesis 15:18), Moses, and the Israelites. Also known as the Land of Israel..
Now, arise, cross this Jordan, you and this entire people...every place upon which the sole of your foot will tread I have given to you... be strong and courageous for it is you who will cause this people to inherit the Land that I have shown to their fathers to give them.
Milchemet reshut
A Milchemet reshut is an 'optional war' or a 'discretionary war' and could be called a Just War. It requires the permission of a Jewish authority. Peace must be offered before going to war and efforts to avoid war must have been tried and have failed. Another condition is that civilians are not harmed and that damage to buildings is limited.
In this way Judaism shows concern for non-human considerations. It teaches that fruit trees or other things needed for life should not be destroyed. The belief is that destruction of these things would prevent a community from re-establishing itself after war.