I find the whole narrative as reported by the media a little hard to accept. Perhaps it's all true, but I haven't seen the evidence yet. Hamas wants to appear strong, always has done: it won't deny exaggerated claims of damage to Israel. It is being said that Israel had become complacent - but not so complacent as to allow Palestinians the right to come and go, and have free access to power and water. Doesn't smell right. I believe there is a good case that damage to Israel is highly exaggerated - the reports are contradictory - for the justification of really "mowing" Gaza this time. Netanyahu was practically salivating when he virtually promised, "We will destroy them and take mighty vengeance": "Fee fie fo fum, I smell the blood of Palestinians". You can't walk back from such a posture.