Three Years After the Oct. 7 Hamas Assault, Israel Still Faces Unresolved Failures

• The two sides describe this in almost entirely different words

All camps note the Oct 7 failure, but left-leaning coverage stresses unresolved strategic flaws, centrist coverage stresses learning lessons and honoring a warned officer, while right-leaning coverage stresses acknowledging the failure but pledging a larger, future-ready force.

1. Sep 3 Netanyahu urges fragmented right-wing parties to merge ahead of October election
2. Sep 12 Herzog’s flag-lowering ceremony coincided with the national day of remembrance for the Oct 7 massacre, which claimed about 1,200 lives and sparked the Swords of Iron conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to attend back-to-back state services on Mount Herzl honoring fallen soldiers and terror victims. The Israel Defense Forces held a minute of silence at Zikim base, where Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reflected on the tragedy and the military’s response. Later, Herzog will host a “Salon Otef” discussion featuring Omri Miran, who was released from Hamas captivity in 2025.
3. Sep 17 A year after the October ceasefire, Israeli evacuation orders and ongoing attacks have kept Palestinians in Gaza displaced, with thousands killed, wounded and facing severe food insecurity.
4. Sep 23 Israel's Central Elections Committee barred the Joint List from the upcoming Knesset election, prompting the alliance to label the move racist and vow a Supreme Court appeal.
5. Sep 24 The electoral commission has acted on two Arab party lists.
6. Sep 24 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told the UN General Assembly that the international community must accelerate the US-backed Gaza peace plan and prevent a repeat of the 1948 displacement.
7. Sep 24 The United States denied visas to Abbas and other Palestinian officials for a second consecutive year, forcing a video address to the UN.
8. Sep 27 Netanyahu publicly urged right‑wing parties to merge ahead of the election.
9. Sep 28 A six‑storey apartment block collapsed, killing 21 people and prompting a lengthy rescue effort.
10. Oct 2 The Central Elections Committee voted 18-5 to bar the United Arab List and the Joint List from the ballot.
11. Oct 2 Balad leader Sami Abu Shehadeh withdrew his candidacy following the court's indication it may approve a disqualification petition.
12. Oct 6 The United Nations Secretary‑General called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
13. Oct 6 Opposition leaders met to outline a coordinated electoral strategy.
14. Oct 6 Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a heightened state of readiness for Israeli forces in Gaza and warned of severe retaliation if troops are harmed.