Three Years After October 7th Massacre: Israel Reflects on Achievements and Failures
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Three years after the October 7th massacre, Israel grapples with mixed outcomes. While Hamas has not been dismantled and the emigration plan for Gazans has largely failed, all Israeli hostages have been returned. Security forces face new threats in the West Bank, and global antisemitism remains high. Within Israel, a societal shift towards unity is emerging among those most affected by the attacks, prompting reflection on the nation's future identity.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Three years after October 7th, Hamas remains in Gaza despite significant military degradation.
- All Israeli hostages, living and deceased, have been returned from Gaza.
- Global antisemitism has reached its highest point in over three decades, with increased incidents worldwide.
- Security forces are preparing for new threats in the West Bank, mirroring October 7th scenarios.
- Israeli society shows signs of increased unity, with former hostages and bereaved families entering politics.
- Israel now controls approximately 63-65% of Gaza, establishing new defensive positions.
Three years after the October 7th massacre, a deep societal divide persists in Israel regarding the war's outcomes, with some claiming total victory and others ongoing failure. However, a broad consensus exists that Israel is fundamentally changed from its pre-October 7th state. A significant failure cited is Hamas's continued existence in Gaza. While its military capabilities and leadership have been severely degraded, and its ability to launch an attack of October 7th's scale is dramatically reduced, the objective of dismantling the organization remains unfulfilled. Reuters reported that Hamas has not been disarmed, and ACLED estimates it remains the dominant Palestinian actor in non-Israeli-controlled populated areas.
The envisioned emigration from Gaza, initially supported by former US President Donald Trump and favored by some on the Israeli right, has also largely failed to materialize. Since the ceasefire, approximately 10,500 individuals have left Gaza, but about 6,000 have returned. Many departures were for medical treatment, with only around 2,300 non-medical exits. Trump himself later retracted the idea of permanent displacement. Ofer Vinter, Chairman of the Am Israel Party, has blamed the Netanyahu government's ineffectiveness on the emigration issue.
Meanwhile, security forces are preparing for scenarios in the West Bank reminiscent of pre-massacre fears. IDF officials have warned of potential breaches of the separation barrier, and Central Command is practicing raids on Israeli communities and mass assaults. Despite the IDF's emphasis on reduced terrorism in the West Bank due to offensive operations, the adoption of an "October 7th scenario" as an operational reference point highlights the persistent threat.
The repercussions extend globally, with Tel Aviv University's annual report on antisemitism noting 20 Jewish deaths in four antisemitic attacks in 2025, the highest figure in over three decades. Many Western countries continue to experience a significant increase in antisemitic incidents compared to the pre-October 7th period. The National Security Council has also issued warnings about increased risks to Israelis and Jews abroad.
Politically, the Palestinian Technocratic Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) has adopted a symbol featuring the Palestinian Authority's eagle and flag, drawing official Israeli opposition and concerns from the right about it forming the basis for a Palestinian state. However, NCAG has not yet entered Gaza and is defined as a temporary governing mechanism, not a sovereign state.
One undeniable achievement is the return of all Israeli hostages from Gaza. On January 26, 2026, the IDF announced the completion of the return of all hostages, both living and deceased, with the recovery of Sergeant Ran Gvili. While the cost and methods are debated, this marks the end of a deeply painful chapter for the families.
From a military perspective, Israel now controls approximately 63-65% of Gaza, with dozens of new outposts and a forward defense concept established. In Lebanon, Israel maintains a security zone estimated at 6% of the country's territory. Iran's regional leverage has also diminished, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz, where oil flow has returned to pre-war levels despite ongoing attacks on tankers, indicating a reduced ability to choke global energy markets.
An often-overlooked success is the recovery of the Gaza envelope communities. The Tekumah region's population has grown to about 66,000, exceeding pre-war numbers, with over 90% return rates to settlements. While some communities are still rebuilding, the area shows demographic growth.
Perhaps the most profound change is within Israeli society. In contrast to the deep internal divisions evident before October 7th, some who endured the greatest suffering are now advocating for unity and reconciliation. Former hostages and bereaved families, from across the political spectrum, are entering politics with a stated goal of healing national rifts. The legacy of October 7th is thus less about victory or defeat and more about the future identity of Israel as a state and society.
Mentioned
