Military Necessity

Military necessity is a legal and ethical principle in armed conflict that allows a military force to take actions necessary to achieve a legitimate military objective, as long as those actions comply with international humanitarian law. This means that any military action should be aimed at defeating the enemy or protecting soldiers, but it should avoid causing unnecessary suffering or destruction. In essence, it balances the need to win a conflict with the obligation to minimize harm to civilians and property. Any action taken under military necessity must be proportionate and discriminate between military targets and civilians.