The Israeli general elections, scheduled for October 27, 2023, have become a central issue in light of the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. In this election, individuals affected by this attack, including victims, grieving parents, and those who resisted on that day, have appeared as candidates.
Turning Tragedy into Political Action
Shiron Sharabi, one of the survivors of this attack, has recently entered the political arena and has been introduced as a candidate for the elections. Having had two brothers kidnapped in this attack, he now represents the families of other victims. Sharabi is working to help secure the return of hostages from Gaza and criticizes the current government for what he sees as insufficient attention to this issue.
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Over the past three years, this election has become a kind of referendum on the performance of Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing government. While some candidates support a decisive military program against Hamas, others hold Netanyahu responsible for the security failures that led to this attack.
New Faces in the Political Scene
Among the new candidates are individuals such as Talig Goyli, the mother of one of the police officers killed in this attack. She, having recently entered politics, is striving to bring the voices of the victims' families to the authorities. Additionally, Shire Shapira, the mother of one of the deceased, has been introduced as a candidate on various party lists.
In this election, Netanyahu faces serious challenges from his new competitors. Political analysts believe that the presence of individuals affected by the October 7 attack could lead to fundamental changes in the country's current policies. These individuals, who symbolize courage and resistance, may be able to garner significant support from the public.
According to polls, the competition in the elections is extremely close, and there is a possibility of different parties entering the parliament. This situation could lead to the emergence of unexpected coalitions and even a national unity government. Sharabi has stated that he is willing to form a coalition with other candidates if they share common goals.
While public support for these figures is on the rise, analysts warn that the harsh realities of the elections may affect this support. According to Maryam Shermer, a political analyst, "Nothing can permanently withstand the existing assaults in the public arena of Israel."
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