Vladimir Putin, of all people, along with several European leaders, has declared that “the US- Israel war against Iran is illegal under international law.” So does Israel’s military action in Iran, with all its ramifications, meet the test of international law? After the past two and a half years, and the relentless mistreatment of Israel by international bodies, many may find the question beside the point. But it still matters.

The short answer is yes. Throughout this difficult period, Israel has acted in accordance with international law, and it is doing so now. The fundamental rule of customary international law – also reflected in Article 2(4) of the UN Charter – prohibits the use of force. The exception to this rule, and the basis for any state’s legitimate use of force, is the right of self-defense (Article 51 of the UN Charter). That right arises when a state is subjected to an “armed attack.”

As we all know, Iran has been acting against Israel for many years. It deploys Hezbollah and the Houthis against us, and Hamas has effectively been armed and........

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