TEHRAN – Ron Dermer, Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs and one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s top aides, has resigned. In his letter, he made a rare admission that the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 was “the darkest day the Jewish people have known since the founding of Israel.” His words are important because they acknowledge that Israel has failed in its most basic duty: to protect the regime. But while acknowledging the failure, Delmar praised Netanyahu’s leadership and sought to frame the government’s response as a success. This is less about accountability and more about shaping a legacy that hides Israel’s deep failings, particularly its ongoing oppression of Palestinians.
basic shock
The October 7 Hamas operation, known as the Al-Aqsa Storm, was a devastation not only for Israel but for the entire region. For Palestinians, it exposed the fragility of a system built on occupation and inequality. The creation of Israel, long justified as a guarantee of Jewish security, has always come at the expense of Palestinian rights. This attack showed that security cannot be maintained through control. This shock reverberates through to Israeli identity, while Palestinians continue to live under siege, deprivation, and military attack.
failure continues
Israel’s failures did not end on October 7th. Relentless attacks in Gaza have killed tens of thousands of civilians and created a humanitarian disaster in the Palestinian territories. Instead of facing its responsibilities, Israel turned to collective punishment, undermined its moral standing, and became globally isolated. The arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Prime Minister Netanyahu for committing war crimes highlights the seriousness of these acts.
legacy frame
Dermer argues that history will judge governments kindly and that future generations will see leaders who acted wisely under pressure. However, this is an attempt to rewrite reality. October 7th will not be remembered for resilience, but as the day when Israel’s security code collapsed and its response exposed policy bankruptcy. No amount of diplomacy or appeals for patience can erase the fact that Israel’s strategy is based on violence and the denial of Palestinian rights. Legacy is not strength but moral failure.
October 7th will not only leave a stain on Israel’s identity, but also serve as a reminder of the unsustainable nature of the system built on occupation and apartheid.