As in the conflicts with the Moabites, Canaanites, and Midianites Judges 3; Judges 4; Judges 7, the battle was on Israelite territory, in self-defense, not in aggressive warfare.
The plain of the vineyards - Rather, “Abel-Ceramim” (compare Abel-Meholah), identified with an “Abel” situated among vineyards, 7 miles from Robbah. “Minnith” is “Maanith,” 4 miles from Heshbon, on the road to Rab-bah.