The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Day 736 - Haviv Rettig Gur: Israel's next front is its own fractures
Oct 11, 2025
Haviv Rettig Gur, a senior analyst at The Times of Israel, delves into the societal shifts in Israel two years after the October 7 attacks. He shares insights from a new survey revealing increased polarization among Israelis. Despite this, Rettig Gur highlights the resilience in Israeli identity and community bonds. He critiques the political landscape for prioritizing partisanship over unity during crises, while suggesting that enhancing societal cohesion is vital for Israel's future stability.
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Hostage's Harrowing Return
- Elie Sharabi's story shows how deeply personal October 7's trauma remains for survivors and families.
- Haviv Rettig Gur describes Sharabi learning of family losses after 491 days as a hostage, underscoring lasting pain.
October 7 Reconfigured Israel's Reality
- October 7 created a new strategic reality where enemies gambled on sparking a wider war and succeeded in changing Israel's world.
- Rettig Gur argues Israelis now must reconfigure how they understand threats and solidarity two years into the conflict.
Unity Flipped To Division
- Polling shows a major reversal: where 77% once said the war united society, 66% now say it divided society.
- Rettig Gur links this flip to rapid political reassertion and partisan campaigns during the war.