Finkelstein asserts that Israel's use of force during the Gaza invasion was grossly disproportionate to the threat posed by Hamas. He highlights the high civilian death toll and the widespread destruction of infrastructure, arguing that these actions constituted collective punishment of the Palestinian population. This critique extends beyond the immediate context of the 2008-2009 conflict, placing it within a broader pattern of Israeli military actions.

Finkelstein argues that the brutality of the Gaza invasion marked a turning point in international perceptions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The sheer scale of destruction and civilian casualties, he posits, prompted widespread condemnation of Israel's actions, even from traditional allies. He cites reports from human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, as well as the UN-commissioned Goldstone Report, as evidence of this shift in global opinion.

Despite the bleak picture painted by the book, Finkelstein suggests that the international outcry following the Gaza invasion could pave the way for a more just and lasting peace in the region. He argues that growing global pressure on Israel, particularly from younger generations in the United States and Europe, could potentially force a reassessment of the status quo and a move towards a solution that recognizes the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis.