Israeli government defence spokesman Shlomo Dror is unrepentant. But the Israeli iron fist has only fuelled Palestinian resentment. They will not oppress us. Israel has struck back, bombing Palestinian police stations, assassinating Palestinian leaders and inevitably killing some innocent civilians mistaken for suicide bombers. But nothing can deter the bomber whose ever present threat has left Israel in a state of terror.
Tourists have fled, the hotels are empty and streets are deserted.
Meanwhile every funeral of Palestinians killed by the Israeli Army now follows the same ritual of hate. Often those who run with the coffin through the city's streets are already preparing themselves for the next attack. The suicide bomber is part of a plan by Hamas to shift the balance of fear. The real aim is to cause anxiety in Israeli society and erode the stamina of most Israelis to resist. They don't show any mercy.