The usual right of military self-defense does not apply to soldiers involved in military occupation of another country. This includes Israeli troops in Palestine, whether Gaza or the West Bank.

The Annual Digest and Reports of Public International Law Cases 1948 states: “Under International Law, as in Domestic Law, there can be no reprisal against reprisal. The assassin who is being repulsed by his intended victim may not slay him and then, in turn, plead self-defense.