Jim Geraghty explains the difference between American and Israeli foreign policy in terms I can get behind:

The thing is, Israel has never pledged to be a “good guy” in the traditional American definition - never strike first, be fair, always be honest, never use more force than necessary. (Think Superman.) They’re more of a “we’ll do whatever is necessary to protect our people; we’re not monsters, but we won’t be saints, either” good guy. (Think Batman.) Unilaterally ceasing fire, and letting their foes escape to commit mass murder another day, just isn’t in their nature.

Of course long-time readers of this blog may wish to see Israel adopt another, related posture.