Only that their aim, living in their own country can be seen as political.

I’d say it is political. As much as any other human rights are.

If anything, the US/Isntreal military ticks all the boxes.

Amen

OK, but terrorism is most certainly not a neutral term.

I agree it isn’t in the cultural zeitgeist. But I’m genuinely trying to argue that it kinda should be.

e.g. the IRA were based terrorists.

Is it partly because it involves targeting civilians? Of course.

Is it because it can be effective in the context of asymmetric warfare? I’d say probably.