Yet another round underlined the overreliance on fire power and Iron Dome. The IDF doesn't want to retake Gaza, but has a 'Concept for Victory' that puts troops in enemy territory

Missile defense system has intercepted 200 projectiles, while 120 fell inside Gaza; interception rate has gradually improved since first use in IDF operation in 2012

Though tactically a runaway success, some believe the active missile defense system blunted Israel's traditional boldness and gave leaders cover to let the Hamas threat fester

Under Netanyahu's leadership, the Jewish state survived the difficult early years to come out on top as Iran and jihadists are on the defensive

Preferring to stand in Jewish state's corner, White House allows Egypt and UN to fill vacuum as mediators during Gaza conflicts in break from traditional policy