Know your target and beyond...

"No one is immune," (Defense Minister Shaul) Mofaz told Army Radio, a day after an Israeli air strike on an ice cream truck killed two Islamic Jihad militants and three bystanders in Gaza City. Two of those killed were children, ages eight and 14.

If the children, and the militants, weren't planting a bomb at the time of their deaths, perhaps an apology and monetary compensation --blood money -- is due the children's lives? Might encourage more accurate assassination skills anyway.

As we reviewed in the Cheney hunting incident, most hunters agree responsibility lies with the person pulling the trigger. That's basically what has Pat Tillman's family upset also, I believe.

Added: Online Haaretz:

The military operation took place in Gaza City at about 5:30 P.M., when IAF jets fired two missiles at an ice-cream van in which Munir Sukar, 27, and Ashraf Shaluf were traveling. According to the security services, Sukar is responsible for numerous Qassam launches at Israel, as well as an attempt to send a suicide bomber to Jerusalem last month, while Shaluf is also a Jihad operative.

However, the strike also killed Raad Al-Batash, 8, Mahmoud Al-Batash, 15, and Ahmed A-Susi, 24, who were nearby when the missiles hit. Eight other passers-by were wounded, and Sukar's aunt, who lives nearby, died of a heart attack apparently brought on by the strike.

Hamas called the air strike a "massacre." Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said it was a "dangerous escalation" against the Palestinian people. An angry mob gathered outside Gaza City's Shifa Hospital, where the bodies were taken.

Afterward, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz declared that "Israel will lay its hands on everyone who acts against it" ...

And then some! Reminds me of that Men at Work song, "It's Just Overkill"

Bad PR, if you will. At some point, the American public will tire of needless bloodshed, and won't make a distinction between necessary and unnecessary assassinations. (The former should be rare, doncha think? Many tools in the toolbox.) It's really like crying wolf. Either do it "cleanly" or don't do it at all. Some anger is rational, and some violence can be prevented. Isn't there a cease fire on, anyway? C'MON U.S., LEAD PLEASE. You've got the power, trust me, and this is the time.
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