Israel Delivers Gaza Strip Beatdown

After months of suffering rocket attacks in its southern towns, Israel delivered a powerful message to Hamas: If you want to attack us there will be a heavy price to pay.

Israel closed the areas around the Gaza Strip, declaring it a military zone, then launched the deadliest attacks the strip has seen in years.

Ehud Barak explained:

"We have stretched our hand in peace many times to the Palestinian people. We have nothing against the people of Gaza. But this is an all-out war against Hamas and its branches. The restraint that we have demonstrated is the source of our strength when it is time to fight."

For three days Israel's air force has pounded Hamas targets. Oy. And it ain't over yet. For the Jewish nation this isn't about Star of David bumper stickers, it's about survival . . . and they take that pretty seriously.

Naturally, the current White House came down on the right side of the issue with National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe's enunciation of the obvious:

"In order for the violence to stop, Hamas must stop firing rockets into Israel and agree to respect a sustainable and durable ceasefire."

Now, if you want a tight take on the story, head over to Great Satan's Girlfriend and check out what Courtney has to say: STRIP BLITZ.