October 7 Attacks Loom Over Israel's First Election Since 2023

Three years after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, grief and unanswered questions continue to shape Israeli society. As voters prepare for the country's first election since the attacks, the anniversary casts a long shadow over the political landscape. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces renewed scrutiny over the security failures that allowed the attacks to occur and the absence of a full public inquiry. The attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza have intensified debates within Israel over security policies and the prospect of a Palestinian state. The election is seen as a referendum on the government's handling of these issues, with October 7 now a central factor in determining Israel's political future. This DW News report examines the impact of the attacks on Israeli politics and society, featuring interviews and analysis ahead of the election. It explores how the memory of October 7 is influencing voter sentiment and the broader national conversation about security, leadership, and peace.