But is that bad?

I have heard that Israel's response to the kidnapping of their soldiers is "disproportionate." What would a "proportionate" response be?

If they go an eye-for-an-eye, their state will be gone in no time. I would argue that for them, going an eye-for-an-eye would only exacerbate their problems. Just look at the exchange rate: one Israeli soldier for 1,000 arabs.*

I will not argue that the Israeli response is "proportionate." By all accounts it is not. Given their situation though, their response is the best way to ensure their longevity.



* Figures provided by the Hammas Bureau for Terrorist Affairs. Daily rates may vary.