I didn't just feel like writing this article as an academic exercise.

First, I'm Israeli. Second, though I live in the US, I'm currently visiting Israel and experienced firsthand the tension of waiting to see how Iran would react and of knowing hundreds of explosive payloads were on their way toward us. Finally, my flight home was canceled due to the security situation, and I can only hope that the alternate flight I booked won't suffer the same fate.

Regarding shuttle diplomacy, that rarely produced long-term positive results in the Middle East. And that's without having to deal with religious fanatics like Iran's leadership.

Unfortunately, Israel is living in a rough neighborhood that doesn't share our democratic values and desire for peace. They view restraint as proof of weakness, which leads to more and worse attacks.

In this environment, not responding to this brazen attack will embolden our enemies and give pause to more moderate neighbors who see Israel as a possible partner in countering Iran's malign influence.

So while I can't argue that the role the US has been playing in global affairs isn't diminished, a diplomatic push now doesn't seem to be the wisest course of action.