Israelis Still Feel Insecure Despite Military Gains, Al Jazeera Reports

Israelis continue to express concerns about their security despite claims that the country is in a stronger military position than it was before the October 7, 2023 attacks, according to an Al Jazeera report published Monday.

The report said security remains one of the main issues shaping Israel’s upcoming general election, as voters continue to grapple with the consequences of nearly three years of regional conflict.

Analysts cited by Al Jazeera said Israel’s military has weakened several of its main adversaries, including Hamas and Hezbollah, while Iran’s military and economy have also suffered significant damage from the ongoing conflict with the United States.

Israeli security analyst Ahron Bregman said an objective military assessment suggested that Israel is now safer, pointing to what he described as Hamas and Hezbollah being severely weakened and the establishment of buffer zones in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.

However, public perceptions of security remain more complicated. The October 7 attack exposed weaknesses in Israel’s security and intelligence systems, leaving many Israelis concerned about the possibility of future attacks.

The report also highlighted growing tensions in the occupied West Bank, where increased Israeli military operations and settler violence have raised concerns about a possible new Palestinian uprising.

Security is also dominating political campaigning ahead of the election. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has portrayed Israel as having achieved major military successes while continuing to warn that the country faces existential threats.

Opposition figures have also maintained concerns about possible future attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah, while some have called for further military action against Iran.

Analysts said the election debate is not simply about Israel’s military capabilities but also about political and diplomatic decisions made since October 2023, including questions over the government’s handling of the attack and its aftermath.

The election is therefore taking place against a backdrop of continuing security fears, political divisions and disputes over responsibility for the failures surrounding October 7.