Netanyahu and his opponents are putting Oct. 7 at the heart of Israel’s elections

Israel prepares for its first elections since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his opponents have made this event the focal point of their political campaigns. Nearly every political advertisement, speech, and debate reference the devastating attack, which left over 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage.

Three years later, the attack remains a fresh memory for voters. Netanyahu's opponents accuse his outgoing coalition of failing to prevent the massacre and are calling for a commission of inquiry into the incident. They also wish to end the draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, a policy that has recently sparked controversy.

On the other hand, Netanyahu's supporters argue that he led Israel effectively through the crisis and has since restored the country's strength and security. They view the elections as a chance to evaluate his leadership in light of the ongoing conflict and international condemnation. Some of Netanyahu's rivals, such as Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief, have vowed to form a government of "repair and reconstruction." Both sides are seeking to capitalize on the emotional impact of October 7 to sway the electorate.