Inside the Israeli military mindset driving endless war
As Israel's general election approaches, public sentiment remains heavily in favor of continued military action in Gaza and Lebanon. While political shifts are occurring, analysts suggest that even a change in leadership is unlikely to alter the country's aggressive security doctrine.
Why it matters
Understanding the Israeli electorate's stance is crucial for predicting the trajectory of the ongoing regional conflict.
As Israel’s general election looms next week, any idea that it could usher in a government committed to ending the country’s wars has evaporated. Even before the 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas, Israeli political culture was heading to the right, and that has only accelerated since .
Today, almost three-quarters of Israelis want troops to remain in Gaza – 55% of them preferring a long-term military presence in the enclave – while almost 80% want the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to continue the war in Lebanon, according to polling. There is also a growing trend for young, secular left-leaning Israelis to leave the country.
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