Live and Learn

I thought Israel fought much better against Hamas recently than they did against Hezbollah in 2006, but that Israel fell short of actually waging war by stopping the battle too soon.

It seems the Israelis now agree:

Israeli military and intelligence officials talk openly of "finishing" the military operations against Hamas. The January 18 ceasefire is considered just that, and it's expected that Hamas intransigence during any negotiations will result in a deadlock and the resumption of fighting. The second round is expected to be a death match, with no end until the Hamas leadership is captured or killed, and Hamas weapons (especially the thousands of rockers) captured or destroyed.

I wonder how smart diplomacy will play out over this.