Tom Segev, quoted at The Magnes Zionist:
The history of Israeli self-righteousness is rich with condemnations and expressions of regret over injuring civilians. Israel’s self-image is based on the assumption that the IDF is better than other armies. “We at least try not to injure civilians.” That wasn’t true even before the destruction and the death that the IDF sowed in Gaza in recent weeks. But this time it seems that many fewer Israelis than in the past feel that what happened there – should not have happened.
This operation stands out not only in its cruelty, but mainly because it did not succeed in drawing Israelis out of their apathy. This apathy is chiling [sic]and is no less shameful than the actions themselves.
mirabile dictu 