Tapping into volunteer and funding networks established in early 2023 to protest against judicial reforms spearheaded by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government, they moved swiftly to identify people missing in the first days of the attack. Photograph: Jack Guez/Getty ImagesEven before October 7th, 2023, Netanyahu and his far-right coalition were under heavy pressure. If there is no clear winner – as happened in a string of elections before a 2022 vote – he could remain as caretaker prime minister. Former Israeli prime minister and opposition leader Yair Lapid could be an alternative to Bibi if the numbers stack up in his favour. Video: ReutersThe prime minister himself is not likely to shy away from a fight.

Source: The Irish Times January 25, 2026 13:32 UTC