Israel is the “front line” or first target for Islamist groups because of its geographic location and symbolic significance, but it is neither the ultimate nor the only objective. Confronting militant groups in Gaza is therefore not merely an Israeli security measure; it is also a preemptive effort to contain a broader threat that could eventually reach Europe or North America.

Given Hamas's statements on record, the only way the Israeli government can prevent similar attacks in the future is to fully dismantle Hamas. While Israel will try to minimize human casualties, it is utterly unreasonable to ask Israelis to coexist with Hamas.