The meaning behind Israel's right to defend itself.

NPR

Published October 17, 2024 at 9:20 AM EDT

An Israeli tank moves a long the border as seen during an IDF embedded media tour to Southern Lebanon on October 13, 2024 near Naqoura, Lebanon.

"Israel has a right to defend itself and its people." It's a phrase that's been spoken by Israel's allies – and American presidents – for decades, especially in the days after Israel launched its war in Gaza after the October 7th attack by Hamas.

But what do those words actually mean in a historically, politically and in the midst of Israel's incursions into Gaza and Lebanon.

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