In recent years, the importance of the international legal arena in the fight against terror-supporting entities has become increasingly evident. Nevertheless, the State of Israel has yet to formulate a structured policy and governmental office to support its citizens seeking to hold legally accountable  states, terror organizations, and international entities culpable for terrorizing Jews and Israelis.

We are engaged in a war for survival—and our dignity. We are fighting not only to subdue our enemies, but to outgrow their hate. Victory in this war will be achieved when antisemitism is not just condemned, but when it is rendered irrelevant and voluntarily abandoned even by those who once clung to it.  This war will not be won quickly. Nor will it be won on the battlefield alone. Victory requires a multigenerational fight across every meaningful front: military, economic, diplomatic, psychological—and legal.

A significant number of Israeli citizens—some holding dual citizenship—who have been affected by terror attacks over the years, and particularly by the events of October 7, have filed lawsuits in various countries against the Palestinian Authority and other actors, based on their involvement in acts of terror. For example, a recent lawsuit was filed in Washington D.C. by families of victims of the October 7 massacre against Palestinian-American billionaire Bashar Masri, alleging that he helped establish Hamas’s terror infrastructure in Gaza. Other lawsuits have been filed against organizations such as UNRWA for its aiding and abetting of Hamas and the Al Jazeera network for its alleged role in disseminating content that promotes violence.

These legal actions carry the potential for significant legal and public impact. They represent an additional front in the battle against terror and aim to establish clear boundaries regarding the legal and moral responsibility of those who support violence. While Israel holds a clear advantage in the military arena, it faces considerable challenges on the global legal front. Often, Palestinian actors and their allies seem to operate in an organized manner, exploiting international legal mechanisms. Consider for example the filing of lawsuits against Israeli officials in foreign courts—a move that has led to warrants against public figures and posed personal risks to IDF officers traveling abroad. These processes are often accompanied by waves of antisemitism, deteriorating public discourse and exacerbating Israel’s challenging public image.

Despite this, the State of Israel has yet to formulate a systematic response in this area. Israeli citizens turning to international courts often find themselves acting alone—without official governmental backing, professional assistance, or financial support.

While various NGOs do assist terror victims in filing lawsuits abroad, their capacities are limited, and they do not substitute for a comprehensive, state-led policy. In the absence of a central body, it is difficult to implement a broad, coordinated, long-term strategy capable of addressing the challenges of the international legal battlefield.

There is a clear need to consider establishing a dedicated governmental body in Israel, working in cooperation with legal systems around the world. The creation of such a body would send a strong message to the international community that Israel views the legal arena as a strategic tool and is investing the necessary resources to engage in it professionally, systematically, and decisively. This is not only about protecting its citizens’ rights but also a vital step in shaping legal norms that confront antisemitism, legal distortions, and morally skewed expectations.

This new entity would provide financial support through a dedicated fund for Israeli citizens seeking to pursue legal action abroad against terror actors. It would also foster partnerships with law firms specializing in human rights and national security in friendly countries, and establish an information network for identifying, documenting, and collecting evidence on the involvement of organizations and individuals in terror financing or incitement. It would also be worthwhile to promote legislation that allows Israeli authorities to initiate civil and criminal proceedings, either on behalf of the state or its citizens, even within foreign legal systems. These steps would not only strengthen Israel’s deterrence and response capabilities—they would also lay the foundation for a clear and proactive national policy in an area that has so far received insufficient attention.

Now, more than ever, strategic thinking and proactive initiative are required. Developing a clear legal policy will help reinforce Israel’s position in the international arena and empower Israelis to pursue justice abroad against terror organizations.  Especially for the long term, the legal front matters because law shapes norms. It defines what is acceptable, and what is beyond the pale. For example, in the U.S., landmark decisions like Brown v. Board of Education didn’t just change policies—they changed the culture. They created a legal framework that helped dismantle the legitimacy of racism itself. As in those storied cases, strategic application of the law through a dedicated Israeli office can likewise dismantle antisemitism and the terrorism it spawns.