The scary thing is that I heard "some expert" recently on NPR that Iran does more harm to us (e.g. 1979-1980 hostage crisis) when the Democrats are in control, because usually the Democrats don't have the strong military stance of the Republicans.

This could be extrapolated to "if Israel doesn't do this sort of thing, then it will be a sign of weakness to the Palestinians, Iran, and others", however I don't think that is true. There is a line between an aggressive posture and just downright being awful, and they crossed it.

Also assassination is wrong no matter who it is done to. Geneva convention or not, life is sacred and even those that have committed the utmost atrocities deserve only to be separated from everyone else so they can do no more harm and perhaps learn from their mistakes and repent. I know that I would be just as angry as the Israelis or Palestinians if I had to experience what they have, though.