Was the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) characterized by harshness and severity towards the disbelievers, as stated in Surat At-Tawbah, verse 123?

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was characterized by universal mercy, a gift to all worlds, and Allah praised him for this. As for the verses, "Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be harsh upon them," and "Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you and let them find in you harshness," the harshness here means severity in fighting enemies to instill terror in their hearts. It is a command for believers to be firm in war, and it does not contradict his mercy.