Israel is entering 2026 with confidence that it has not merely survived the devastating Hamas‑led October 7, 2023 onslaught — it has come out of it stronger and more resilient, both as a nation and in the communities closest to the conflict.

At a high‑profile Jewish News Syndicate event in Florida on New Year’s Eve, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a message of national strength and optimism, asserting that “Israel has come out of this war stronger than ever before” — militarily, economically, and diplomatically — more than two years after the brutal attack by Hamas. He pointed to major economic developments such as a $37 billion energy deal and significant foreign investment commitments as benchmarks of Israeli strength, while emphasizing that peace opportunities and regional alliances have expanded amid ongoing crises. Netanyahu framed these achievements as part of a broader strategy of “peace through strength” that has bolstered Israel’s global position.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the JNS event in Florida on December 31, 2025. Photo by Amos Ben-Gershom/GPO

Netanyahu also used the platform to urge Jewish communities abroad to stand firm against rising antisemitism, stressing that Jews should never “lower your head and seek cover” in the face of hostility but should instead confront hatred boldly.

Photo by Amos Ben-Gershom/GPO

A clear message to Israel’s enemies

Closer to home, Israeli towns near the Gaza border are showing remarkable signs of recovery and growth, defying expectations in the wake of the Oct. 7 onslaught. According to data released by the government’s rehabilitation arm, the Gaza “Envelope” region now has more residents than before the war, with about 65,000 people living there today compared with roughly 62,000 pre‑attack. This demographic uptick represents not only the return of more than 90 % of original residents, but also the arrival of 3,000 new inhabitants and around 1,000 young people involved in pre‑military academies and national service programs.

Ze’ev Elkin, a Cabinet minister responsible for national reconstruction, described the population increase as a “clear message to our enemies” — showing that efforts to drive Israelis from their homeland have only made these communities stronger and more vibrant.

Minister Ze’ev Elkin attends a session of the Subcommittee for the Rehabilitation of the Tkuma Region, in the Knesset on November 25, 2024. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90

The rebound is striking given the devastation inflicted on towns like Ein HaShlosha, Kerem Shalom, Nahal Oz, Netiv HaAsara, and others — once among the communities hardest hit by the Hamas terror assault. Large‑scale rehabilitation efforts have restored critical infrastructure and housing, enabling community life to resume even amid ongoing security challenges.

Israeli authorities have also set ambitious long‑term goals for the region, aiming to double the Gaza Envelope’s population to 120,000 by 2033 as part of a broader strategic vision for national resilience and growth.

Taken together, these developments paint a picture of a nation recovering from one of the darkest chapters in its history and doing so not by retreat, but by rebuilding — economically, socially, and demographically. Whether in the halls of international gatherings or in the neighborhoods of Sderot and beyond, Israel’s message is clear: it is standing taller, more self‑assured, and more determined than ever.

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