Cathal Berry is former Deputy Commander of the Army Ranger Wing
Israel's formally declared war on Islamist group Hamas - after a weekend of violence that saw 11-hundred people killed.
Militants attacked southern Israeli towns, killed 260 people at a music festival, and took dozens of hostages.
In response, there have been hundreds of strikes overnight on targets in the Gaza Strip.
Kildare South Independent TD and former Deputy Commander of the Army Ranger Wing, Cathal Berry, gave his assessment of the situation on this morning's Kildare Today programme.

Exclusive: Cllr Bill Clear To Join Independent Ireland After Months Of Discussions
WATCH: Car Linked To Attempted Naas Robbery Spotted In Newcastle - Gardaí Warn Public Not To Approach
Gardai Appeal To Public For Assistance In Attempted Burlgary At Osprey Car Park Naas
Vigil This Evening In Kildare Town In Memory Of Ryan Weir Gibbons
Court Hears Gardaí Medically Advised Not To Speak To Alleged 10-Year-Old Victim Of Sexual Assault At Citywest
A New Report Has Highlighted Persistent Gaps In Access To Beds In Stroke Units
85 Acre Development Site Near Naas Hits Market for €4 Million
Department Of Housing Shifts Blame On To Council As Kildare Families Priced Out Of "Affordable" Housing Again