On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas and other Iranian-backed terrorists invaded Israel, catching the Jewish state off guard and perpetrating the largest slaughter of Jewish civilians since the Holocaust. For the first time in decades, Israel appeared truly weak and vulnerable, surrounded by enemies on all sides. Long regarded as the region’s military superpower, Israel was caught flat-footed, suffering more casualties on its soil than on any single day in its nearly eight decades of existence. Few, perhaps, would have predicted the situation as it stands today. Two years after what has become known as the Simchat Torah massacre, named for the Jewish holy day on which it fell, Israel has defied critics and cynics alike, scoring tremendous victories while facing a growing chorus of international criticism. It might seem odd that Israeli military success would be met with increased ostracism. But the two are inextricably linked. That is, the more Israel succeeds on the battlefield, the more it is condemned. This is not a coincidence. To understand how far Israel has come in two years, it is important to understand how devastating and dire the events of Oct. 7 were. They represent a watershed moment, both for Israel and the broader Middle East — indeed, for the world. An altar with flags and portraits of the people kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7 is seen during a peaceful demonstration in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Israel Fuguemann...