Israel and the heavy challenges of post-October 7

Three years after the October 7 massacre, Israelis continue to mourn their dead and wonder how their state could have failed in this existential moment. But they are also caught up by the heavy challenges generated or increased tenfold by the tragedy. The first Gordian knot to untie is that of the political future of Israel, a Middle Eastern democracy whose internal evolution is at a crossroads as the parliamentary elections approach.

Will the Israelis renew “Bibi” Netanyahu despite the wear and tear of power, the scandals and the multiple questions concerning his responsibilities for the strange defeat of October 7? Or will they give a chance to the centrist opposition coalition, led by former chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, who wishes to consolidate the democratic character of the Jewish State and reconnect with Europe and liberal America, to emerge from isolation? In short, will they vote for an Israeli “Sparta” sliding towards illiberalism…