The law of war covers the issues of jus ad bellum and jus in bello, that is, what constitutes «armed attack,» «use of force,» and when a state can defend itself with military force, as well as how states should conduct themselves once armed conflict has begun. (slaw.ca)
Israel has yet to provide a public legal justification for the Al - Kibar operation under jus ad bellum. (opiniojuris.org)
Still, she was uncertain: «While jus ad bellum, the occasion for a resort to force, is met and the rules of engagement meet jus in bello stipulations, the unknowns are such that prudential considerations tell us to stay our hand.» (religion-online.org)