Israel Faces Elections Amid Post-October 7th Trauma and Regional Tensions
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
As Israel approaches an election, the nation is deeply affected by the October 7th attacks, with ongoing security concerns in the West Bank and regional tensions. Public discourse has shifted away from a two-state solution, and political leaders like Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid are campaigning on platforms of security and national unity. Commemorations for victims highlight the profound trauma, while experts discuss threats from Hamas and Iran. Many Israelis have left the country due to the ongoing conflict and its psychological toll.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel faces elections amid deep national trauma from the October 7th attacks and ongoing regional security threats.
- Public opinion has shifted significantly against a two-state solution, with a majority of Jewish Israelis opposing it.
- Political leaders Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid are campaigning on security, national unity, and addressing the "brain drain" of Israelis.
- Commemorations for October 7th victims reveal profound grief and public anger, with some events excluding the government.
- Security experts remain concerned about threats from Hamas and Iran, despite confidence that major escalations will be avoided before elections.
- Approximately 270,000 Israelis have left the country between 2023-2025 due to war trauma and social pressure.
Three weeks before Israel's third Knesset election in under three years, the nation grapples with the enduring trauma of the October 7th attacks and complex regional challenges. The atmosphere in Jerusalem, even amidst religious festivities, is marked by heightened security and a palpable sense of unease. Superintendent Johnny Kassabri, a Christian Arab serving in the Israeli police, describes the unique difficulties of policing Jerusalem, a city of diverse religions and constant celebrations, noting the increased complexity of his work since October 7th and his personal experiences with antisemitism abroad.
Security experts and officials express confidence that no major escalations will occur before the elections, but concerns remain high regarding the West Bank, Jewish terrorism, and European naivete. They acknowledge Hamas's presence in the West Bank and the weakening Palestinian Authority, while anticipating the eventual fall of the Iranian regime and viewing the Revolutionary Guard as a significant, underestimated threat. A key task for the incoming government will be restoring Israel's global reputation and addressing the divisions within its own population.
The article highlights a shift in Israeli public and political discourse regarding a two-state solution. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats, now speaks of separation rather than a two-state solution, reflecting a broader sentiment. A September 2025 poll indicated that 78% of the Jewish population does not believe a Palestinian state is in the national interest, citing ongoing issues like the 'Pay for Slay' policy and antisemitic content in Palestinian textbooks.
Commemorations for the October 7th victims underscore the deep national trauma. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid a wreath at the state ceremony, where he was confronted by a father of a victim. Meanwhile, a separate, larger gathering in Tel Aviv, attended by approximately 50,000 people, excluded the government, highlighting public anger and grief. The article also touches upon financial mechanisms used by Hamas, such as the Hawala system, to transfer funds, noting that while cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are traceable, Hawala operates outside traditional banking systems.
Political discourse leading up to the election features prominent figures like Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. Bennett, challenging Netanyahu, vows to halt the "brain drain" of Israelis leaving the country and to end the exemption of Haredi men from military service, linking benefits to army service and tax contributions. He invokes historical rhetoric, quoting Moshe Dayan on the necessity of defense for survival and development. Lapid advocates for a "policy of hope" to prevent Israel from becoming an isolated, fear-driven state as envisioned by Hamas chief Sinwar. Security experts at Reichman University, a pragmatic institution, dismiss the policies of figures like Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, emphasizing preparedness and cooperation with the US against threats like Iranian drones and missiles.
The article concludes with a stark depiction of the Nova music festival site in Re'im, now a memorial to the 378 victims, and a memorial in Majdal Shams, commemorating children killed by a Hezbollah rocket. It also references the exodus of approximately 270,000 Israelis between 2023 and 2025 due to trauma, war, and social pressure, with some expressing fear of Europe.
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