Few thoughts. There was never any doubt that Israel would ultimately destroy the offensive capabilities of Hamas in the narrow confines of the Gaza strip. However while Israel has clearly won the battle, strategic vulnerabilities for Israel have been identified.
Hamas is funded and armed by Iran. Iran was keen to study and observe Iron Dome in action. Not only did they learn much about Israel’s defensive capabilities but they now know that Israeli economy can be gravely hurt by missile attacks on its population centers and especially Ben Gurion airport.The missiles fired by Hamas were unguided rockets. If Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Iran will respond with ballistic missiles fired from Iran, Syria and Lebanon. Modern ballistic missiles not only have sophisticated guidance systems but some are incorporating stealth technology. Will Iron Dome and other Israeli defense systems stop them? If not Israel faces serious devastation which will make an attack on Iran far too costly. Also renegade states like ISIL have the revenue to purchase advanced missiles. They and rogue states or groups now pose a chronic serious threat.
Iran used Hamas and the Palestinians as a pawn gambit. However there is little doubt that the US will be played as chumps. Hamas needs a ceasefire since they have probably depleted their rockets and ammunition. However they won’t agree to one until they get a written guarantee from Kerry for $500 million in “humanitarian and reconstruction aid”.
think about this in cultural terms...the persian/muslim science community has how many patents and doctorates in physics, engineering, electronic design, Nobel prizes in the sciences...
Then compare those with the Jewish community that is literally fighting for it's very survival. They can afford to lose only 1 war. They will cease to exist if the muzzies are succesful. Personally I hope that they (muzzie goat humpers) do develop a nuke and a delivery device. It will make for some really great youtube videos of Iran/Iraq/Pakistan turning to glass.
This is a rare opportunity for Israel to take out a serious threat by removing Hamas from Gaza, while Iran is bogged down in Syria and Iraq. At another time, as you point out, it could be Israel fighting on multiple fronts at once, as Iran lobs long range missiles, short range rockets rain from Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank; and infiltrators flow by the hundreds or thousands through tunnels; and then a nuke or two goes off.
As long as Hamas rules in Gaza, it will remain a threat to Israel, which will greatly complicate any future war. As painful as it is, it is safer to deal with this threat now, than it is to wait to deal with it while engaged in a multi-front war.
Hamas must be deposed, attrited, outlawed and impoverished.