I wouldn't have immediately scaled an all out perpetual war (thinking Afghanistan).
It's only been 7 months. Far cry from Afghanistan's 20 years.
I would have used intelligence and struck strategically AFTER attempting to negotiate the release of the hostages diplomatically.
What makes you think that there wasn't strategic targeting based on intelligence?
As far as getting hostages out diplomatically without a war, that was a nonstarter, as Hamas made it clear they demanded all terror prisoners freed. The only reason the limited exchange in November happened at the 3:1 ratio was that Hamas was pounded militarily first. If Israel acted all meek and mild, Hamas would only be emboldened to insist on maximal demands.
Yes, Israel has a right to 'defend' itself (as does Gaza),
Gaza started this war of aggression. They do not have the right to "defend themselves" any more than Russia against Ukraine or Nazi Germany against the Allies.
but let's not pretend that the attack on 10/7 was in isolation.
Of course it wasn't! It is part of Hamas' genocidal project to destroy Israel. They were not hiding it. 2018/19 border riots were a dress rehearsal for 10/7. That's where Sinwar vowed to "erase the border with Israel and rip Israelis' hearts from their chests". As you said, 10/7 is not isolated. It's who Hamas are at their rotten, islamofascist core.
Blowing up and bombing all of Gaza in the HOPES of killing a few Hamas members
More than 15k Hamas fighters were killed including high ranking leaders like Marwan Issa. Many more were wounded and/or captured. That is more than "a few" and it's more than just "hopes".
does NOTHING but create more hatred and anger among the Palestinian people.
There already is plenty of hatred among the Palestinians against the very existence of Israel. Israel not defending itself after 10/7 and maybe turning the other cheek would not have made Palestinians any less hateful or angry.
There is no reason to continue on with this tactic unless....perhaps....your end goad is not a release of the hostages.
Hostages should be released, but not at any price. I do not think any terrorists serving life sentences should be on the table.
Netanyahu made a mistake in 2011 with the Shalit deal. He would be well advised not to repeat that mistake.