"Reflecting on Israel's Divided Survival: 50 Years Since the Yom Kippur War"

Israel commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1973 war that brought the country to the brink of defeat, but the wartime unity has given way to increasing polarization within Israeli society. The war, which began with a surprise attack by Syrian and Egyptian forces, initially caught Israel off guard but eventually led to decisive victories. However, criticism of then-Prime Minister Golda Meir and her government's failure to prepare has resurfaced. The anniversary highlights the deep divisions over issues such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to overhaul the judiciary, which has sparked protests and military reservists refusing duty. Despite the internal divisions, many Israelis express pride in having helped save their country during the war.