Israelis awoke last Thursday to a glimmer of hope that had eluded them for two long years: a deal between the Israeli government and Hamas aimed at returning all Israeli hostages and putting an end to the devastating Gaza war. While this development may signal a much-needed cessation of violence that erupted on October 7, 2023, it also compels Israelis to confront three critical reckonings that will fundamentally shape the nation’s future.
The first reckoning lies between Israelis and their political leaders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration, which had been in power for over nine months at the time of Hamas’s attack, has faced mounting unpopularity. Many Israelis hold their government accountable for failing to prevent the assault, yet Netanyahu has successfully deflected responsibility, arguing that accountability is an afterthought until hostages are returned and the war concludes. This tactic has stifled the political agenda of a populace that has shown immense resilience—protesting against Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul before the conflict and demonstrating solidarity with hostages afterward. However, as the dust settles, it is clear that this silence will no longer be tolerated.
Public sentiment will undoubtedly push for a government resignation, as Netanyahu’s far-right coalition grapples with the fallout of a deal that his supporters might view as a capitulation to Hamas. The upcoming elections are poised to be the most consequential in Israel’s history, demanding a government that can not only manage the aftermath of the Gaza conflict but also rebuild the essential trust between the state and its citizens. The Netanyahu government’s failure to heed the people’s concerns on hostages and the war has left civil society to fill the void—providing emergency assistance and mobilizing efforts on behalf of the families of hostages. The next administration must rise to the occasion, address these gaps, and restore a government that genuinely serves its people.
The second reckoning concerns Israeli attitudes toward Palestinians. The trauma of October 7, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of more than 250, has fostered a deep-seated animosity toward Palestinians. The prevailing belief seems to be that any hope for a peaceful coexistence or a viable Palestinian state is futile. Nevertheless, U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan proposes that Israel engage with Palestinians on multiple fronts, creating a pathway for self-determination and statehood. This is a tall order for a nation currently steeped in mistrust and hostility.
Israel now stands at a crossroads: will it maintain the Netanyahu-era stance that blurs the lines between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA), or will it revitalize the working relationships that existed with the PA not long ago? The specter of West Bank annexation looms large, yet external pressures from Arab nations and European allies recognizing Palestine could instigate a shift in Israeli policy. If Israel does eventually offer any political horizon for Palestinian statehood, it may be perceived as a reward for the violence of October 7, igniting fierce opposition domestically. Conversely, if Israel dismisses collaboration with Palestinian entities entirely, it risks deepening its isolation on the global stage and facing intensified backlash, including arms embargos and increasing hostility toward its citizens abroad.
The third reckoning involves Israel’s relationship with the United States, which has been irrevocably altered by the Gaza conflict. Polls indicate a growing discontent among American voters regarding military support for Israel, with many now expressing sympathy for Palestinians over Israelis. Among Democrats, advocating for restrictions on security assistance to Israel has gained traction, while figures in the MAGA movement have begun to question the U.S. investment in Israel. The traditional unwavering support is now in jeopardy, and Israelis must grapple with the reality that their status as a favored ally is not guaranteed.
As the war in Gaza comes to a close, it is naive to assume that American opinions shaped over the past two years will simply revert to the status quo. Israelis will need to find new narratives to justify their place as a critical ally and to articulate the value of their democracy to a skeptical audience. Attempts to invoke the tired refrain of Israel as the sole democracy in the Middle East or to brand the Israel Defense Forces as the most moral army in the world will only exacerbate the challenges they face.
In the coming days and weeks, Israelis will be consumed with the return of hostages and the mourning of those who will not return. However, they must also pivot toward addressing the pivotal challenges that lie ahead. The events of October 7 have unleashed immense currents that demand not only reflection but also decisive action. Israel stands at a defining moment, one that will shape its identity and its relations for generations to come. It is imperative that the nation embraces this reckoning with courage and a commitment to justice for all.
This article highlights the importance of CRUCIAL RECKONINGS AHEAD.
