Israel is facing social challenges owing to Hamas’ Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, launched on 7 October against the Israeli occupation, and Israel’s subsequent all-out military assault on the Gaza Strip. Al-Aqsa Flood exposed the vulnerabilities of Israeli society in many ways. Here, we examine the repercussions of the war on Israeli society.
High Reverse Migration Rates
The Al-Aqsa Flood paved the way for reverse migration from Israel as a direct result of its loss of security and economic performance. According to the Israeli newspaper The Marker, over 230,000 settlers have left Israel since the crisis began, and the number of departures is expected to rise as the aggression on Gaza continues.
This sparks debate about the Jewish state’s future or the possibility of Israel’s demise. Whether organized or unorganized, Jewish migrations to Palestine have historically been a pivotal element in the dual history of occupation and colonization that continues to this day. Consequently, the ongoing reverse migration movements engender existential apprehension in Israel and undermine the morale of its citizens. This sentiment is reinforced by certain Jewish and Talmudic doctrines that prophesy Israel’s demise, just as the kingdom of Israel of the past, which lasted no longer than eight decades, has vanished or commenced to disintegrate since its eighth decade.
This viewpoint is bolstered by the disruption of Knesset members’ sessions and their flight to shelters in the aftermath of rocket attacks, as well as scenes of unprecedented crowding at Tel Aviv Airport, which was disrupted after the resistance bombing, and other airports. On social media, video clips of Israelis fleeing without looking back revealed a flaw in Zionist doctrine, which is based on the elements of replacement, settling, and encouraging massive immigration to the Promised Land.
Exacerbation of Israel’s Internal Division
The operation Al-Aqsa Flood played a role in the deterioration of social capital indicators, specifically in terms of eroded trust and confidence, due to its association with internal unrest in Israel and the resulting sharp divisions brought about by the current government’s judicial reforms, which involve the Supreme Court relinquishing its authority in favor of the government. This is what led liberal Jews to believe that, at best, Israel—a democratic haven in an otherwise authoritarian Arab world—is on the verge of turning into a dictatorship or authoritarian state.
In addition, the Benjamin Netanyahu government is currently facing numerous protests against it and calls for its resignation, particularly in light of its appalling performance in dealing with the Al-Aqsa Flood and the hostage-taking. These are all concerning signs of Israel’s vulnerability.
Imbalances in Livelihood
The Al-Aqsa Flood operation exposed the internal displacement of settlers escaping the Gaza area and the ensuing effects on a large number of settlers’ social, psychological, and economic well-being. The Israeli army declared that 500,000 people, all of whom were originally immigrant settlers, had been displaced within Israel. Additionally, the city of Sderot, comprising approximately 20,000 settlers, was entirely evacuated, as were the settlements located near the northern border with Lebanon.
This aligns with projections suggesting the potential for higher unemployment rates due to the closure of industrial, tourism, and service establishments, which may result in some individuals being rendered partially or entirely unemployed. Furthermore, there is a concern that the Israeli security and military failure to effectively handle the ongoing crisis may contribute to elevated levels of crime, suicide, frustration, and despair. These issues are expected to further erode public support for the government in Israel.
