Israeli Media Scrutinizes Political Exploitation of October 7th Anniversary

As the first anniversary of the October 7th Hamas attacks approaches, Israeli media personality Yinon Magal has been accused of exploiting the tragedy for political gain. Magal, a vocal supporter of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggested that the "Hakafot" (revolutions) at the Nova music festival site were a "correction" for dancing at a party with a Buddha statue. He also stated that families of victims and hostages who blamed Netanyahu for abandoning them should apologize to the Prime Minister. Magal further contrasted the unified coverage of the official memorial ceremony with Channel 14's broadcast of his show, "HaPatriotim," claiming his channel offered a "different voice from the hegemony."

Critics argue that Netanyahu is using the anniversary to sow division and deflect blame, citing a former associate's strategy that "hatred is what unites our camp." The article points to increasing revelations about Netanyahu's responsibility for the massacre, including testimony from former Military Secretary Avi Gil about Netanyahu's office allegedly falsifying protocols. Instead of confronting the consequences of his leadership, Netanyahu is portrayed as focusing on conflict with the left, using hatred as a shield against accountability, which could also implicate his voters.

Political parties are actively engaging in campaign tactics around the anniversary. The 'Am Israel' party released a video using a crashing plane metaphor to warn of government failure, though its leader, Ofer Winter, avoids mentioning Netanyahu directly. Conversely, the Democratic party uses a similar metaphor to directly criticize Netanyahu's leadership. Meanwhile, Shimon Riklin on Channel 14 advocated for continued war and destruction in Gaza, urging a vote for a right-wing government, while Dana Varon expressed a more nuanced view, acknowledging the need for a resolution.

Further political maneuvering includes the Likud and Religious Zionism parties signing a surplus agreement, excluding Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party, which has warned of being left out of a potential unity government with Gadi Eisenkot. This rift is seen as serving both Netanyahu, who can appeal to voters wary of Ben-Gvir, and Ben-Gvir, who can demand more seats. The Joint List launched its campaign, with Chairman Yosef Jabareen pledging support for a law preventing indicted individuals from forming a government, while also denying Channel 14 access, labeling its reporter a "terror supporter."

Otzma Yehudit representatives have been distributing controversial merchandise, including noose-shaped pins, to high school students, drawing criticism. In contrast, the 'Achadut' party's MK Meirav Ben Ari successfully countered populist arguments by highlighting the origin of policies. Student polls reportedly favored 'Achadut' over Otzma Yehudit. Finally, Yair Lapid is appealing to voters in a new campaign, framing his party as a "family" that needs their return, while the article notes that Netanyahu is willing to do anything to secure 61 seats, even as polls show his bloc struggling.