The current show of force by Israel may be aimed at sending a clear message to its neighbors that its policy of using its military might whenever it deems necessary has n't changed , especially amid growing concerns that the civil war in Syria is gradually spilling over into the occupied Golan Heights . Israel-Gaza conflict nothing new , but current violence is taking place in a very different Middle East . Yossi Mekelberg says region 's political , social landscape changed by the Arab Spring . Comment: New regimes ' instinct is sympathy with people of Gaza , Hamas government . Israel 's lack of political wisdom in learning from the past is alarming , says Mekelberg .
Israel-Gaza conflict nothing new , but current violence is taking place in a very different Middle East . Yossi Mekelberg says region 's political , social landscape changed by the Arab Spring . Comment: New regimes ' instinct is sympathy with people of Gaza , Hamas government . Israel 's lack of political wisdom in learning from the past is alarming , says Mekelberg .