ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the concept of state crime beyond citing states for doing nasty things. It explores that it is better to avoid the label of state crime or its close relations and to continue with the simpler and more useful terms of nasty actions and their numerous synonyms. Perhaps, the problematic issues of state crime are best illustrated in the context of Israel, a country that aspires to the highest norms of morality yet faces vexing problems at the interface of self-defense and the use of force. The chapter focuses on the problems involved in the concept of state crime, as they are apparent in the difficult conditions faced at several layers of the Israeli state. Israel has been accused of state crimes or related sins for the illegal occupation of territory, the repression of a conquered population, illegal detentions, torture, censoring the media, and piracy.
