Israelis, united in shock, rally behind war to punish Hamas

 "Israel at War," declared a deep voice, emphasizing the ongoing conflict between the Israeli military and Hamas infiltrators, along with air raid alarms near the Lebanese border. On the opposite side of the border lies Hezbollah, a formidable Lebanese militia backed by Iran and considered Israel's most significant adversary.

The prospect of engaging in a two-front war is Israel's strategic nightmare.

Outside a military base on the highway leading south to Gaza, hundreds of cars sat parked along the road shoulders and central reservation, left behind by reservists who had reported for duty. More were arriving.

A man, standing beside the open tailgate of his hatchback, put on a crumpled olive-green army shirt. He rummaged in the back to retrieve his body armor, closed the door, and joined the rest of his reserve unit.

A middle-aged couple had managed to meet up with their son, a young man of around 20 who was fulfilling his compulsory military service. The mother handed over a jar of homemade pickles.

The father said, "We've advised him to focus on his responsibilities and not dwell too much on friends who have been injured or killed." More armed individuals have crossed into Israel through breaches in the border fence designed to contain Hamas.

Many Israelis are bewildered by their military's struggle to regain control of the areas and villages bordering Gaza. One unit even posted on social media requesting drones, while others sought sleeping bags and food.

Israel's military is undoubtedly powerful and capable of pushing Hamas back. However, its inability to do so thus far is raising questions about the country's generously funded and prestigious military and intelligence establishment's failure to prevent a disaster.

Frequent comparisons are being drawn between recent events and the war exactly 50 years ago, which began in October 1973 following a surprise attack by Egypt and Syria.

Golda Meir, the prime minister at that time, disregarded warnings of an impending attack on a Jewish holiday, leading to criticism of her hubris and complacency.

Similar accusations are now being directed at her successor, Benjamin Netanyahu, by his numerous political adversaries.

Israel remains deeply divided over Mr. Netanyahu, whose government's far-right agenda sparked months of protests. However, people of all political affiliations are uniting behind their flag. With Israel officially at war, protests have been suspended, and reservists who initially refused duty are now queuing to return.

As a nation, Israelis are reeling from the shock of the Hamas attack. Survivors and victims recount their harrowing experiences, and the desire for retribution against Hamas intensifies for the way its operatives systematically targeted families and children in Israeli border communities. Callers on the radio share stories of parents who received terrified calls from their children at a desert rave where Hamas massacred hundreds of civilians. The sound of gunshots heard by parents as their sons and daughters were killed haunts them.

"Israel at War" resonates once more, as a report from Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, a former general, is broadcast from somewhere in southern Israel. "We're dealing with ruthless adversaries," he states, "and we will respond accordingly." Food, water, and power supplies to Gaza are being disrupted.

My phone receives a notification. A message on the BBC Jerusalem office WhatsApp group reports that a market in Gaza has been struck, resulting in numerous casualties, as Israel targeted what it claimed was a Hamas facility. The video showing the aftermath feels ominous, hinting at even greater tragedy to come.

The scale of the devastation inflicted on Israel by Hamas is unprecedented. An organization that meticulously planned its attack must have anticipated Israel's fierce response.

Israel's war strategy will be complicated by the presence of approximately 100 hostages taken during the attack. Still, according to a cabinet leak reported in the Israeli press, one cabinet minister has emphasized that this should not deter them.

This conflict feels distinct from the routine confrontations that Israel and Hamas have experienced since the militant group assumed control of Gaza in 2007. Those previous conflicts, while serious, had fallen into familiar patterns and occasionally felt like deadly rituals. Now, both sides find themselves navigating uncharted territory.