JERUSALEM - In a surprising move, Galit Distel Atbaryan, a former member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party, publicly apologized on Sunday for her part in contributing to the internal divisions that preceded the devastating attack by Hamas militants on October 7th. This apology marks one of the first instances where a member of Likud has taken responsibility for the polarized atmosphere that ultimately led to the ongoing war.

Distel Atbaryan acknowledged the argument that the internal discord created a perception of weakness, which encouraged Hamas to carry out their attack. She specifically took responsibility for her role in the massive protests and civil unrest that ensued after Netanyahu's government attempted to implement a comprehensive overhaul of the judicial system. The crisis not only sparked widespread protests but also raised concerns among business leaders, former security chiefs, and international allies such as the United States.

During her time as public diplomacy minister, Distel Atbaryan had been known as one of Netanyahu's staunchest supporters, often vocally criticizing his opponents. However, she expressed regret for her actions, recognizing that the divisive atmosphere only weakened the nation further during wartime.

The apology comes amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas, with the conflict now entering its third month. The war that was triggered by the October 7th attack has had devastating consequences for both sides, resulting in significant loss of life and infrastructure damage.

Despite her apology, Distel Atbaryan has chosen to remain a member of parliament within the Likud Party. This unexpected gesture of accountability has sparked conversations among political observers and raised questions regarding the party's handling of internal divisions moving forward. Many are now wondering whether this apology will be followed by further reconciliatory actions within Likud, and whether it will have any impact on the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

As the war persists, the public apology by Distel Atbaryan serves as a rare acknowledgement of the role played by internal strife in exacerbating the tensions with Hamas. It remains to be seen how this acknowledgment will shape the political landscape in Israel and whether it will pave the way for greater unity and resolution in the region.