🔻Security at the Heart of Israel’s Election Campaign

The issue of security is at the center of Israel’s election campaign.

Opponents of Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, accuse him of security failings that led to the attacks of October 7, 2023 by Hamas. About 1,200 people were killed in those attacks, and 251 were also taken to Gaza and held as hostages.

Netanyahu’s opponents are calling for an investigation by an independent commission into these attacks. Netanyahu has consistently resisted that request, arguing that any investigation would be biased against him.

Despite the attacks and the heavy pressure from his opponents, he continues to present himself as “Mr. Security” and points to “strategic victories” in various wars in the Middle East, as well as his close relationship with Donald Trump.