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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Retaliation Was Inevitable But Not Singular
- Israel had clear military justification to retaliate after October 7, 2023, but choices remained about how to do it.
- The ceasefire terms two years later show alternative political outcomes were possible earlier.
Israel 'Caught Off Without Its Pants'
- Ksenia Svetlova recalls Israel being "caught off without its pants" and surprised by Hamas's capabilities.
- She argues the scale of the attack required a root treatment of Hamas's military capacity.
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.