Condemnation of the Attack on the Ne’ot Hovav Industrial Complex in Israel: Implications Under International Law and Strategic Security
Sunday, March 29, 2026
The Kingdom of Peace and Justice Center expresses its most vigorous condemnation of the attack perpetrated by the Islamic Republic of Iran against the Ne’ot Hovav industrial complex, located in the south of the State of Israel, in the vicinity of the city of Beersheba.
This is no ordinary target. Ne’ot Hovav constitutes Israel’s primary hub for the treatment and disposal of hazardous waste and houses a highly sensitive network of chemical and pharmaceutical industries, in addition to playing a key role in the country’s energy logistics. Its nature makes it a paradigmatic example of dual infrastructure: civil in its operational functioning, but critical to the economic, environmental, and strategic resilience of the state.
From the perspective of contemporary international law, the attack on this type of infrastructure cannot be interpreted as a minor incident. On the contrary, it implies a form of indirect aggression with the potential to generate systemic effects, including severe ecological risks, economic disruptions, and indirect harm to the civilian population.
Within the framework of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the principles of distinction and proportionality are particularly relevant. Even in scenarios where certain targets might be considered legitimate, the risk of massive consequences stemming from chemical and hazardous waste facilities demands an extremely strict standard of evaluation. In this case, the magnitude of the potential damage calls into question compliance with those principles.
Likewise, the evolution of international jurisprudence has broadened the concept of “armed attack,” incorporating actions that substantially affect the essential functionality of the State.
The deliberate targeting of a strategic node such as Ne’ot Hovav may fall within the circumstances that enable the exercise of the inherent right of self-defense, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
In parallel, contemporary strategic doctrine —including developments in the NATO framework on Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP)— recognizes that the neutralization of infrastructure such as Ne’ot Hovav can generate effects equivalent to or greater than those of a conventional military attack, constituting a qualitative escalation within the hybrid conflicts of the 21st century.
The attack on Ne’ot Hovav not only violates fundamental principles of the rules-based international order, but represents a concrete attempt to provoke a multi-dimensional catastrophe.
The Kingdom of Peace and Justice Center expresses its full and unwavering solidarity with the people and government of Israel, reaffirming their right to protect their territory, their population, and their critical infrastructure against external threats, in accordance with international law.
The international community faces a test of consistency here: the defense of legal principles cannot be selective or conditional. The clear and substantiated condemnation of this type of action constitutes an inescapable obligation.
Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos
President