Kommentar: Das Versagen und die Folgen: Ein gespaltenes Land trauert

For the first time in history, the 7th of October is marked without Israeli hostages in captivity. Yet, the mourning blankets the nation. Even three years later, Israel has not fully processed the terrorist attack by Hamas. On October 7, 2023, Hamas killed 1,195 people. Some of their acts were broadcast online, where ten million Israelis watched relatives, friends, or acquaintances being killed or taken hostage.

For most Israelis, this day is a personal day of mourning. It is unclear whether any society can cope with such a tragedy. However, there is a second reason: the day is remembered not only for the brutality of Hamas but also for the failure of a security apparatus, which is considered one of the best in the world and is supposed to protect the country from exactly such attacks.

To this day, there is no one in Israeli society who takes responsibility for this failure. It is futile. Whom the Israelis blame almost determines whom they will vote for in the parliamentary election on October 27. Benjamin Netanyahu and his supporters hold the military-establishment accountable: for the negligent risk assessment and the sluggish response on the day itself.