Since 2001, Hamas has fired over 10,000 rockets and mortar rounds at Israel. Last week, to protect its citizens from these indiscriminate attacks, the Israeli launched extensive military operations to root out the Hamas launching sites and military stores. These events have resulted in a destructive, protracted conflict. If Israel had an effective way to shoot down the incoming rockets and mortars, it might have felt less obligated to take extensive measures in defense of its citizens and territory. Likewise, Hamas would have seen the value of its military force greatly diminished.