The classic definition of terrorism is when civilian populations are randomly attacked or killed in order to terrorize the general population.

Only the Palestinian terror groups target civilians.

The Israeli army conducts non-terror activities such as checkpoints, searches, and a passive barrier to prevent attacks before they happen.

Sadly, even during "truce" periods, Israel must repel an average of 21 attacks a day. Not all of these make the newspapers. Some are knifings and shootings. Sometimes suicide bombers are caught before they act and are disarmed.

There is not a day that goes by, that the Israeli army does not prevent at least one attack from being carried out.

Israel has no desire to terrorize the Palestinian people. It is true, that when the IDF is forced, by the failure of the PA, to hunt down known and wanted terrorists, the general population is also terrorized. But this is not the intent or purpose of the IDF.

However, when Hamas, Islamic Jihad, or Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade carry out an attack, they DO mean to terrorize the general population.