The problem is that force might strike fear in people, but it also unites them in cause like no other force (money is the only force that can come close). At the same time that Israel is trying to deliver a message, there's lots of other powers that be that are trying to spin the propaganda to their purposes.

Off the top of my head, here's some messages that are being heard:

  • The U.S. will assert no control over Israel
  • Iran and Syria are allies to the Palestinian cause
  • Hamas and Hezbollah are the resistance
  • The U.N. is a completely useless tool
  • Israel's use of force is disproportionate