Why is this so uncritical of government policy ...

Because the Palestinians have a choice.

All they have to do to stop the violence is say "We want to live in peace with you. You have a right to exist just like we do".

The Palestinians prefer to get 100 tons of bombs per day, than to say these simple words.

The Hamas covenant says the contrary: "Initiatives, and so-called peaceful solutions and international conferences, are in contradiction to the principles of the Islamic Resistance Movement. Abusing any part of Palestine is abuse directed against part of religion."

See here:

http://www.israelforum.com/board/showthread.php?t=9571

It's their choice.

hello John from England,  to answer your question lets look back at a bit of history and perhaps you can answer it yourself.  When Nazi Germany was bombing England, (like Hamas' Gaza has been bombing Isreal with rockets), England Bombed them back and lets not forget...with Matt from the United States' ancestor's help, you still exist.  Nobody complained because England and the US bombed Germany so why do you complain because Isreal is defending themselves now.  Perhaps you would not be an ungrateful idiot if you were speaking German

Hi John,

   I don't know where you get your news, here in America all I have heard for the past 10 days is "Hamas bombing Israel". Now they are retaliating, and rightly so. This war has been going on for as long as I can remember. Hamas is a terrorist group that hides behind innocent civilians, and many of the die. That is the sad part of war. I only wish I had the answer.

   Some 40 years ago when I was a freshman in high school there was this big guy that used to push me around. Every time he saw me in the hallway he pushed me, tossed my books from my hands and slaped  me on the back of my head. One day I had enough, I turned and punched him right in the nose breaking it. For the next 3 plus years he tried to be my friend because he new he couldn't push me around anymore, or I would strike back. Maybe that was not the best answer, but it worked.

Do the Math John.

Have a good day sir!

I don't think the US should side with the starters of this war. It's pretty clear to me, Israel wants peace however, they are going to have fight to get it since the Palestine’s are at fault here by allowing Hammas to continue to send missiles into Israel on a daily basis. It's unfortunate that innocent people die, but they wouldn't if Hammas didn't hide among them. They are killing their own. There needs to be deeper thought to the leadership of Palestine and elect a group of individuals that desire peace not war. Israel has shown restraint for a very long time and they are doing what any rational country would do.

I hope you are joking. Its about time Israel do somthing after these covenantless philastines continually bomb christians and jews who are seeking their messiah and peacefull existance in the land where Joseph told Israel to carry his bones,and where King David rulled and bought the property called Judea and Israel. just like their forfather galiath these philastines have provoked the zeal of zion and brought war upon themselfs. you give them democracy they choose hamas(war) they need to choose peace by rejecting anti-Christ/anti-semitic/anti-Israel doctrin and conversation. Israel is here to stay like it or lump it. its settled and will be confirmed by return of meshiach the anointed message in man form G-D is his LIFE. Shalom Jerusalem and upon all true Israel who love meshiach/truth AND SEEK THE NATURE OF MESHIACH.

while your teaching long befor Israel busts the house/terror labs teach love for Israel and when they do start busting houses raise your hands humbly and show respect. the jihad hamas leaders say if their commiting suiside murder mass explosians and you get killed your ok if right with god they dont care about people just controled by there jelous pride. Israel acualy cares about people peace loveing people but you push to far whatch out the same with GOD hes very good but reject his leadership and experiance wrath just ask sodom and gamorah. rebelion is as the sin of whitch craft.

Well put, let's just hope others can learn some real history of the land of Israel.