This is truthfully in the right section, though a cross-topic thread.
Here are some quotes regarding the reasons to declare war by Jewish (Orthodox Judaism) law.
and finally...
Other can be found as well. Exegetic interpretation shows that war is in fact NO prohibited by the Jewish religion if certain principals are followed.
Here are some quotes regarding the reasons to declare war by Jewish (Orthodox Judaism) law.
Deuteronomy 20:10 said:When you approach a city to do battle with it you shall offer it terms of peace. And if they respond in peace and they open the city to you, then all the people in the city shall pay taxes to you and be subservient. But if they do not make peace with you, but choose to make war, you may besiege them. The Torah requires seeking peace before making war.
Jewish Philosophy said:Jewish Law differentiates between two types of war; milkhemet mitzvah, an obligatory war, and milkhemet ha-reshut, a voluntary war. Obligatory wars are primarily wars of self-defense, while voluntary wars are those made for national glory. Unlike obligatory wars, the king could only declare a voluntary war with the consent of the Sanhedrin, ancient Israel’s 71 person judicial body.
Yesha Rabbinical Council said:During time of war, enemy has no innocents.
Joshua, before he entered the Land of Israel, sent three letters to its inhabitants. The first one said that those that wish to flee should flee. The second one said that those that wish to make peace should make peace. The third letter said that those who want a war should prepare to fight a war.
followed as commentary...Deuteronomy 20: 2 said:Efrat, Israel - And it will be, when you come near to warfare, the priest shall step forward and speak to the nation. He shall say to them, Hear, Israel, you are coming near this day to warfare against you enemies. Do not be afraid, for it is the Lord your G-d who walks alongside of you to wage battle for you...
B.T. Sotah 42a said:The Sages of the Talmud expand on this morale-uplifting message of the priest-Kohen to the soldiers before battle: The Priest-Kohen anointed for War would speak in the sacred tongue (Hebrew). Dont let your heart become faint. The Lord of hosts, the G-d of Israel, it is He who wages war with us, it is He who walks with us to save us in all of our battles. This is because our war is His war, and our victory is His victory .
and finally...
Maimonides said:Apparently the Torah believes that there are some wars which, despite the blatantly negative assessment of war in light of our ultimate goal of world peace, are nevertheless necessary and mandatory. First we must always attempt to make peace and try to convince our enemy to accept the Noahide laws of morality.
Other can be found as well. Exegetic interpretation shows that war is in fact NO prohibited by the Jewish religion if certain principals are followed.