As usual, Israel is facing a mountain of criticism for this over-reaction. Did Hamas attack them? Yes. However, the Hamas rocket attack left 1 person dead, while Israel has killed upwards of 300, including many children. This does not excuse what Hamas did; they are just as much to blame. But the United States does not partner with them, and condemns their every action.
It is quite obvious from this fiasco that Israel is not grown up enough to be a true friend of the United States. They are very similar to Georgia, a country that provoke Russia and demanded our help. In this case, Israel is going up against a relatively weak force, but they should not expect our support, whether it be money, military training, or backing in the UN Security Council. I am hopeful the new administration is smart enough to recognize the danger in keeping close association with such a country.
Israel's current policy is doing a lot right now to promote terrorism. Every child that is killed by a bomb within Gaza is another martyr to inspire dozens of suicide bombers. And our country's ties to Israel make us a target as well.
Criticism inside of Israel is beginning to build, as this article and this article in Haaretz show.
I condemn both sides: Hamas for starting the mess, and Israel for pursuing actions that it knows will disproportionately attack civilians. If Israel claims to be the most civilized country in the Middle East it should act like it.
