Hamas attack is likely to be regarded as a catastrophic intelligence failure, for which government carries responsibility. Previous such failures, notably in Yom Kippour war and 2006 Lebanon war, resulted in investigation by state commissions (Agranat and Winigrad commissions respectively), triggering resignations and massive electoral losses.

By forming the unity government Netanyahu shows that he holds the good of the country above his personal ambitions, and that he acknowledges his mistakes, possibly minimizing political damage.

Hamas attack is likely to be regarded as a catastrophic intelligence failure, for which government carries responsibility. Previous such failures, notably in Yom Kippour war and 2006 Lebanon war, resulted in investigation by state commissions (Agranat and Winograd commissions respectively), triggering resignations and massive electoral losses.

By forming the unity government Netanyahu shows that he holds the good of the country above his personal ambitions, and that he acknowledges his mistakes, possibly minimizing political damage.

It is worth noting that the report by the Winograd commission particularly stressed the lack of serious discussion among the leadership regarding the objectives and options of the military opration:

Some of the troubling findings revealed that there were serious failings and shortcomings in the decision-making processes at both the political and military levels, in preparedness, decision-making and performance in the IDF, particularly the army, in strategic thinking and planning, in both the political and the military echelons, and in the defence of the civilian population and in coping with rockets.

The decision to react immediately to the kidnapping limited Israel's range of options to only two, a stand-off war or an invasion. Israel went to war before it had decided which option to use and military and political echelons failed to have a serious discussion of the options or decide between them. Even so, until the first week of August, Israel was unprepared to launch a large-scale ground operation.

It is easy to see how the formation of the unity government, including the leading political and military experts (like Benny Gantz, the former Chief of the General Stuff) is likely to cure some of the shortcomings cited in this report.