In the coming hours and days, Israel has some difficult decisions to make as it responds to the unprecedented shock attack by Hamas militants on Saturday that left over 2,200 people on all sides dead. And what Israel ultimately decides to do and the lengths it will take to go after Hamas may impact U.S. foreign policy and its global reputation for years to come.

Essentially, the conflict in Israel could turn into another Ukraine for the U.S., says Vice Adm. Robert Murrett (Ret.), professor of practice of public administration and international affairs.

As the conflict grows and rumors of involvement from groups like Hezbollah and from countries like Iraq, Iran and Egypt circulate, the question becomes "how far the conflict could escalate, both in terms of additional operations in Gaza but also the potential for it spilling over into other parts," meaning the nearby countries of Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, Murrett tells The Mirror.

Murrett was also interviewed on KCBS Radio and "Morning News," a Scripps News program.