2023 in Israel

2023 in Israel
Year	2023
Caption	The year was dominated by political turmoil, judicial reform protests, and the Swords of Iron war.

2023 in Israel was a year of profound national upheaval, defined by a protracted domestic political crisis over judicial reform, massive recurring public protests, and a devastating war triggered by a surprise attack from Hamas. The year began with the formation of a new right-wing government under Benjamin Netanyahu, whose proposed legal overhaul sparked unprecedented civil unrest. The political and social divisions were abruptly overshadowed on October 7, when Hamas militants launched a multi-front assault from the Gaza Strip, leading to the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust and the subsequent Israel–Hamas war.

Political events

The year opened with the inauguration of the thirty-seventh government of Israel, a coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party, which included far-right and religious parties such as Religious Zionist Party, Otzma Yehudit, and Shas. Key ministerial appointments included Itamar Ben-Gvir as Minister of National Security and Bezalel Smotrich gaining expanded authority over West Bank settlements. Internal tensions surfaced within the coalition over the scope of judicial reform, while the Knesset passed a law in March limiting the circumstances for declaring a prime minister unfit for office, widely seen as protective of Netanyahu. The political landscape remained intensely polarized, with the Israeli opposition, led by figures like Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz, fiercely contesting the government's agenda.

Military and security

The year’s security situation was catastrophically transformed on October 7 during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, when Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups breached the Gaza–Israel barrier in a coordinated assault. The attack on communities near the Gaza Strip, such as Kibbutz Be'eri and the Re'im music festival, resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, thousands of injuries, and over 240 hostages taken to Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded by launching Operation Swords of Iron, an extensive aerial campaign and ground invasion of the Gaza Strip aimed at dismantling Hamas. The war saw major battles in Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and a severe humanitarian crisis in the enclave. Concurrently, clashes intensified with Hezbollah along the Lebanon-Israel border, and Houthi forces in Yemen began attacking shipping in the Red Sea.

Judicial reform and protests

The government’s plan for a sweeping judicial reform, championed by Justice Minister Yariv Levin, provoked one of the largest and most sustained protest movements in Israeli history. Key legislative efforts included bills to change the composition of the Judicial Selection Committee and an amendment to the Basic Law: The Judiciary to remove the standard of reasonableness in judicial review. Weekly mass demonstrations, organized by groups like the Kaplan Force, drew hundreds of thousands of participants in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other cities, supported by segments of the Israeli technology sector, military reservists, and the Histadrut. In a landmark decision in September, the Supreme Court of Israel, under President Esther Hayut, heard petitions against the reasonableness law, with a ruling pending at year's end.

Economy and society

The domestic political turmoil and subsequent war significantly impacted the Israeli economy. The Israeli shekel weakened considerably, and the Bank of Israel intervened to stabilize the currency. Major credit rating agencies like Moody's and S&P Global Ratings placed Israel’s sovereign credit rating under review for a potential downgrade due to war-related economic risks. The call-up of over 300,000 reservists for the war disrupted many businesses and industries. Societally, the year was marked by deep fissures between supporters and opponents of the government, though the October 7 attacks prompted a wave of national unity and volunteerism, with organizations like ZAKA and United Hatzalah playing critical roles in the aftermath.

International relations

Israel's foreign relations were heavily dominated by the aftermath of October 7 and the war in Gaza. The United States, under President Joe Biden, provided strong diplomatic support and military aid, with visits by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Biden himself. Relations with neighboring countries were strained; Jordan and Egypt condemned Israeli military actions, while efforts to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia, facilitated by the U.S., were paused. Israel faced significant criticism and diplomatic pressure at multilateral forums, including the United Nations General Assembly and the International Court of Justice, where South Africa filed a case accusing Israel of genocide. Support from allies like Germany and the United Kingdom remained firm.

Sports and culture

The sporting and cultural calendar was heavily disrupted by the war. Israel's national football team played its home UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying matches in neutral countries like Hungary and Slovakia due to security concerns. The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 was held in Liverpool on behalf of the previous year's winner, Ukraine, with Israel's entry, Noa Kirel, finishing in third place. Major cultural events and seasons were canceled or postponed following October 7. The year in cinema was notable for the critical acclaim received by films like "Seven Blessings" and the documentary "No Other Land," which focused on tensions in the West Bank.

Category:2023 in Israel Category:2020s in Israel Israel