Israel election shaped by October 7 attack survivors

In Israel, survivors of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and families of those killed or taken hostage are running for seats in the upcoming general election on October 27.

Sharon Sharabi, who publicly called for the return of his brothers held in Gaza, is now a candidate for Avigdor Lieberman’s political list. Several other parties are also including individuals impacted by the attack on their candidate lists, hoping to appeal to voters still deeply affected by the events.

The election will largely serve as a judgment of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government’s handling of both the attack and the subsequent military response in Gaza. Candidates connected to October 7 are divided on whether Netanyahu’s priority should be a decisive military victory or addressing the failures that allowed the attack to happen.

Talik Gvili, the mother of a police officer killed on October 7 and whose son’s remains were recovered from Gaza, is running with the Likud Party, currently holding 32 of the 120 seats in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. Other parties have also recruited people who experienced loss or bravely fought back during the attack, believing these figures embody courage and can bring change.

While a coalition of these individuals in parliament is possible, analysts suggest the intensity of Israeli politics may ultimately diminish their collective impact.