October 7 trauma reshapes Israel's politics, wars and global standing

Israel's political landscape has undergone significant transformation since October 7, 2023, when militants launched a major assault on the country. The attack and its aftermath have accelerated rightward shifts in Israeli politics, empowering far-right figures and hardline factions within the government while marginalizing centrist voices that once shaped policy.

The security implications have proven equally consequential. Israel's military operations in Gaza and subsequent regional tensions have redefined strategic priorities and defence posture. The conflict has intensified humanitarian concerns and complicated Israel's diplomatic relationships across the Middle East and beyond.

Domestically, the attack's psychological impact persists in public discourse and decision-making. Trauma has reinforced security-first approaches to governance and complicated efforts toward reconciliation or diplomatic solutions. Political parties have increasingly adopted maximalist positions on settlement expansion and Palestinian statehood, narrowing the space for moderate alternatives.

International standing has also shifted markedly. Global support for Israel has become more polarized, with geopolitical alignments realigning based on responses to the conflict. Regional powers and historical allies have adjusted their positioning, while the conflict has reshaped international law discussions and humanitarian frameworks across the globe.