How October 7 changed everything

On the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks, Israelis are remembering the horror that claimed 1,200 lives and sparked a war with Gaza. Memorials have been held in homes, on highways, and at the Nova music festival site where 251 hostages were taken by Hamas. While 166 hostages have since been released, the national trauma resulting from the attacks and Israel's subsequent retaliation remains profound.

The attacks and Israel's response have had far-reaching consequences, including devastating the Gaza Strip, intensifying settler violence in the West Bank, and reshaping the balance of power in the Middle East. The war has killed over 74,000 Palestinians and displaced most of Gaza's 2 million residents. It has also weakened Iran and Iran's allies, Hezbollah and Hamas, paving the way for potential direct strikes on Iran by Israel and the US.

International opinion of Israel has turned negative, with 67% of adults viewing the country unfavorably in a Pew survey. This sentiment has influenced diplomatic shifts, with 155 countries now recognizing Palestinian statehood, up from 136 before the war. Internally, the US has become a flashpoint in domestic politics, with some Democrats calling for an end to US military aid to Israel.

However, cutting off aid won't change Israel's stance toward Palestinians, as the country is economically self-sufficient. Ending the war and improving Israel's international image will require significant diplomatic pressure, which the US is unlikely to apply given its current political landscape.