'Possibility of peace' exists more tangibly than it has 'in generations': Fmr. Israeli Amb.

Geopolitical Landscape & Peace Prospects - The possibility for peace between Israel and Palestinians exists more tangibly than in generations, contingent on the demilitarization of Gaza by taking guns away from Hamas [12][13] - A positive domino effect including the reconstruction of Gaza, a diplomatic horizon for Palestinians in the West Bank, stability in the Middle East, and expansion of the Abraham Accords could be set in motion if Gaza is demilitarized [14][15] - The end state objectives of the Netanyahu government and Hamas are mutually irreconcilable, posing a significant challenge to achieving lasting peace [19][20] - Hope for lasting peace is attenuated due to deep-seated structural factors, including violence in the West Bank, annexation of territory, and the decimation of the Gaza Strip [9] Domestic Israeli Politics - The next Israeli elections, potentially held earlier than the scheduled date in October, may be determined by internal social issues such as ultraorththodox enlistment rather than the Palestinian issue or peace in the Middle East [26][27][28][29] - The influence of the Israeli right-wing, particularly Ben Gavir's party, will be significant in the next Israeli government [25] - Benjamin Netanyahu's absence from the Egypt meeting was likely due to the Jewish holiday, a politically prudent excuse [23][24][25] Emotional & Social Impact - The release of hostages triggered intense joy and relief, but the mood shifted as people processed the reality and considered the future [2][3] - Parents of young Israelis expressed changed views about the future for their children potentially serving in the military, hoping for peace to avoid future conflict [4][5][6] - The Israeli population's entire lives have been defined by conflicts, with many having lived with air raid sirens and the possibility of military service since birth [8]