Tensions escalate in Israel as allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticize the military for investigating intelligence failures leading up to the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in 1,200 deaths. Netanyahu's hesitance to support the probe is perceived as an attempt to deflect responsibility onto military and intelligence officials. The situation is further complicated by US-Israel relations, already strained by a minister's call for Palestinian migration, and the upcoming visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
An Israeli cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ended abruptly due to a heated argument among lawmakers regarding the conduct of Israeli soldiers and the investigation into the 7 October Hamas attack. The row highlighted ideological divides within the coalition, particularly on the future of Gaza and the handling of the probe. The meeting was cut short with plans to continue discussions at a later time, amidst criticism from various politicians and reports of over 22,000 Palestinian casualties in the recent conflict.
Despite suffering a severe blow in public opinion after a devastating Hamas attack and facing criticism for security failures, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains in power, using his wartime leadership to bolster his political standing. Critics accuse him of prioritizing his political and legal interests over the country's well-being during the war, while supporters defend his actions as necessary. Netanyahu's political maneuvers include testing campaign slogans, appeasing coalition partners, and avoiding responsibility for the attack's aftermath. His refusal to discuss his political future amidst the war and the delay in post-war planning decisions have drawn both domestic and international frustration.
Eti Bracha, the mother of Gal Abdush, a victim of a brutal rape and murder by Hamas terrorists, is speaking out to ensure the world knows about the atrocities committed against her daughter and son-in-law, Nagi Abdush. The couple was attacked during a music festival near Kibbutz Re’im, leaving behind two young children. The New York Times investigation revealed the sexual assault, which the family was unaware of until approached by journalists. The mother and other relatives are now dealing with the harrowing details of the crime, as they seek to honor the memory of the victims and cope with the trauma of their loss.
Galit Distel Atbaryan, a Likud Party lawmaker and former Cabinet member, issued a rare apology for her role in creating internal divisions in Israel, which she believes contributed to perceptions of weakness and ultimately led to a Hamas attack on October 7. The internal strife was sparked by the government's attempt to overhaul the judicial system, leading to mass protests and national tension. Distel Atbaryan resigned from her ministerial position shortly after the attack, criticizing her office as a waste of funds during the ongoing conflict.
