The breach of Israel’s defenses by hundreds of Hamas militants, who infiltrated the country by air, land, and sea, caught the Israeli military off guard. The attack left hundreds dead and thousands besieged in southern Israel. The delayed and seemingly inadequate response of the military has left many Israelis feeling vulnerable and abandoned, breaking the perceived social contract where citizens serve in the military in exchange for protection. Families faced a lack of information and assistance during the attacks, with some members missing or held captive in Gaza. The incident has raised questions about Israel’s military preparedness and the government’s handling of the crisis.