If wiping out a country is an acceptable response to a terrorist attack, such as what is happening in Gaza [1], Saudi Arabia should have been leveled in response to 9/11. [2]

The difference? We need Saudi oil, the Saudis are rich and powerful. Palestinians are poor, powerless and are not even allowed to have an official state.

[1] 1,200 dead as a result of the Hamas terrorist attack, 35,000 civilians dead and counting.

[2] 3,000 dead as a result of the 9/11 attacks, most of the hijackers were Saudi citizens but no civilians in Saudi Arabia suffered any consequence and the government didn't suffer any reprisals. Indeed, Saudi royalty was allowed to leave the country when all air traffic was grounded. Instead, a 20 year war in Iraq and Afghanistan resulted. Something had to be done to satisfy the lust for revenge of the populace.