Pre-Israeli terror

When the British mandate was still in effect, there were groups of Jewish terror groups. They were called Hagana, Etzel, and Lechi. These groups ranged from passive resistance and strictly defense, to violent attacks on individuals and army outposts. How does this terrorism differ from the modern Arab terror? Where do we draw the line between fighting for a homeland, and outright barbarism? One thing I've noticed here is that many Jews and Israelis are quick to condemn the Palestinians and the Arabs. Again, in order to really understand the conflict, we have to turn the mirror on ourselves.