I think the word you're looking for is punitive action. The idea is that, from their perspective, this is retribution for October 7th — basically a "fuck around and find out" kind of logic. The goal, in their eyes, is to ensure no future attacks by responding with overwhelming force.

Thing is, both genocide and punitive action can look very similar in execution — mass casualties, destruction, displacement — but the key difference lies in the intent and endgame. Genocide aims to eliminate a group because of who they are; punitive action aims to punish them for what they did (or are accused of doing).

That said, the label doesn’t change the reality: both can involve war crimes and crimes against humanity.