[Aquinasfan]

This is all true, but who are they replacing? A front organization that was basically just as bad. There is no change here.

In essence. But there is a significant legal difference now that Hamas officially constitutes the government of a nation. Israel may now legally retaliate against the hostile acts of a foreign nation rather than the hostile actions of a terrorist group. Israel's defensive options are now much broader.

[samtheman]

Israel may now legally retaliate against the hostile acts of a foreign nation rather than the hostile actions of a terrorist group. Israel's defensive options are now much broader.

Good point.