I'm thinking that both Iran and Israel are making not unconsidered moves, although Israel is more the reactor than the initiator. Iran through the actions of their associates in Lebanese Hezbollah are drawing attention from their nuclear confrontation with the rest of the world. They are also reducing a certain amount of pro-Israeli sentiment that had been developing since the Gaza pullout and the Islamic pan-European terrorism.

Israel has been concerned with the growing power of Hezbollah in Lebanon, and probably with the stockpile of weaponry which is now being used to penetrate northern Israel. They probably see this as an opportunity to cut 'em down to size. They are probably aware that every bruised knee in Lebanon will be blamed on them, but are hoping they can endure the opprobrium. With Sharon out of the picture there is no strong leader with military experience, and this is an attempt to reassure the Israeli public that they will be protected.

The difference between "stupid and unreasonable" and "logical, planned, and well thought out" is often difficult to discern.

Check out the book "The Guns of August"