FROM THE BATTLEFIELD TO THE BALLOT BOX: How War Shapes Israel's Politics
FROM THE BATTLEFIELD TO THE BALLOT BOX: How War Shapes Israel's Politics EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: 1. The Security Paradigm: Israeli politics is fundamentally shaped by the security experience. The trauma of the October 7, 2023, attacks has deeply embedded a sense of existential vulnerability in the electorate, making security the dominant issue in any election. 2. The "Toughness" Premium: In times of war, voters tend to gravitate toward leaders and parties perceived as "tough" and uncompromising. This often benefits right-wing and nationalist factions, while marginalizing voices advocating for diplomacy and compromise. 3. The Accountability Deficit: Despite the security failures of October 7, the electoral response is often paradoxical. Voters demand accountability, but they are also afraid of changing leadership in the middle of a war. This creates a complex dynamic where the desire for change is counterbalanced by the fear of instability. --- HOOK In most democrac...