5,000 Rally in Tel Aviv to Force Inquiry Before Tuesday Vote

The October Council organized a rally in Tel Aviv on Saturday to demand an independent state commission of inquiry into the security failures that preceded the October 7, 2023 attacks. The event took place three days before Israel's first general election since the war in Gaza began.

Protesters gathered at Hostages Square, a public plaza in Tel Aviv. The October Council, founded by the families of captives taken to Gaza in 2023, called the gathering the culmination of three years of struggle. The group is pushing for accountability from the government regarding the Hamas attack that started the war.

"Three days before the election, we will hold the culminating event marking three years of struggle to uncover the truth, demand accountability and establish a state commission of inquiry," the October Council wrote on X. The council seeks to hold Israeli officials responsible for the attacks to account and deliver justice for affected families.

Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party attended the rally in Tel Aviv. He is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main center-right rival. Eisenkot was greeted by chants asking who is coming next for the prime minister role. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats, also attended. Lawyer Dan Adin described the crowd from Rabin Square to Hostages Square on X, noting the energy of the march.

Polls released before Tuesday's vote indicate a tight race. Netanyahu's right-wing bloc, in power since late 2022, is running neck and neck with Eisenkot's bloc. Neither side is projected to secure a majority of seats in the Knesset. The election result may determine if Israel launches another round of strikes on Iran, as Eisenkot is believed to be less inclined to resume military action against Tehran.

The October Council warned law enforcement about possible provocations from pro-government agitators before the event. The group sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner after receiving alerts about attempts by coalition-linked entities to disrupt the rally. Netanyahu's coalition government has refused demands for an independent commission. It offered instead to set up a political commission where half the members are appointed by the government and the remainder by opposition legislators. Opposition leaders said they would boycott such a body.

Protesters also gathered elsewhere in Israel for anti-government demonstrations, according to the Haaretz newspaper. On most other foreign policy questions, leading Israeli parties remain united, including in their opposition to the creation of an independent Palestinian state.