The Foreign Desk Two years on from 7 October: did it have to be like this?
12 snips
Oct 11, 2025 
Ksenia Svetlova, former member of the Israeli Knesset, discusses the policy options Israel faced post-October 7, emphasizing missed diplomatic opportunities. Yossi Meckleberg analyzes Israeli public sentiment and the potential for strategic leadership during the conflict. Retired General Ben Hodges offers insights on urban combat, critiquing civilian tolls and emphasizing the need for restraint. They explore whether a large-scale war was unavoidable, the implications of military decisions, and the future of the two-state solution in light of recent events.
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Diplomatic Options Were Explored But Not Prioritised
- Svetlova says after a few months many Israeli decision-makers believed military goals were achieved and diplomatic options emerged.
- She notes Israel did not allocate government time to pursue non-military diplomatic alternatives then.
State An Achievable Political Endgame
- Framing an end to hostilities as a political objective would have improved Israel's global standing.
- Leaders should articulate clear political outcomes rather than vague notions like "total victory".
Regional Escalation Was Partly Self-Inflicted
- Svetlova emphasises that actors like Hezbollah and Iran 'invited themselves' into the conflict after October 7.
- She also concedes some adversaries, notably Hezbollah, were weakened and Israel feels safer on that axis.