Michael Oren: October 7 and the Cost of Defending Israel

Israel’s strategic landscape has undergone profound, irreversible changes since October 7, 2023, shifting from a society defined by internal political division to one steeled by existential conflict. The war has elevated the ultra-Orthodox military draft from a fringe political issue to a national imperative, as religious Zionists bear a disproportionate share of combat fatalities. Beyond internal politics, Israel faces a persistent security dilemma in Lebanon, where military success against Hezbollah remains incomplete without addressing the underlying threat from the Iranian regime. A naval blockade against Iran is currently viewed as a critical strategic tool to drain the regime’s resources and prevent further regional escalation. Ultimately, the national consensus across the Israeli political spectrum prioritizes long-term security over international isolation, reflecting a shared commitment to preventing future threats from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, as explained by former Israeli ambassador and historian Michael Oren.