They’re afraid of Islam. But not ready to confront them. Most people will do anything to avoid a confrontation of any kind. Even taking a few hits to the face. They know they are thugs at this point I believe.
This cowardice will not help them in this case. Islam considers appeasement to be weakness. Sooner or later they're going to have to bite the bullet or we're all going to be Muslims or dhimmies paying the jizya (poll tax), collected by two slaps to the face.