terrorism - the definition-

The Intelligence Community is guided by the definition of terrorism contained in Title 22 of the US Code, Section 2656f(d):

—The term “terrorism” means premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience.

—The term “international terrorism” means terrorism involving the territory or the citizens of more than one country.

—The term “terrorist group” means any group that practices, or has significant subgroups that practice, international terrorism.

It's primarily the first sentence that is significant.
"usually intended to influence an audience." is a sort of get-out clause and governments can claim terrorism where it is not intended [so is not really part of the definition].
"noncombatent targets"- a strange word to use- military would be the simple one. During the Second World War, power plants, rail links etc were targetted sometimes in France by clandestine agents. So we did commit terrorism at that time.
Shootings of some Palestinians come under this category also. I was thinking that the above definition was good till I saw that phrase 'clandestine agents'.
Mind I have been wondering how to get a definition of terrorism for ages, but without implicating other countries, so I'm quite glad that the official one doesn't do that either.
Notwithstanding the above caveats, it's good that we have a working definition- let's hope we dont commit terrorism whilst working against it ?........ The term 'clandestine agents' sort of says 'maybe,maybe not'