Five thousand demand probe before Tuesday vote

Approximately 5,000 Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to demand an independent investigation into the security failures that allowed the October 7, 2023 attacks to proceed. The rally took place in the public plaza known as Hostages Square, just three days before the country’s first general election since the war in Gaza began.

The event was organized by the October Council, a group formed by the families of captives taken to Gaza three years ago. The council seeks to hold government officials accountable for the Hamas attack. In a post on X, the group stated they would hold the culminating event of their three-year struggle to uncover the truth and establish a state commission of inquiry.

The protest coincided with other antigovernment demonstrations across Israel. Leading opposition figures joined the crowd in Tel Aviv. Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s main centre-right rival, was greeted by chants asking who would be the next prime minister. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party, also attended the rally.

Dan Adin, an Israeli citizen and lawyer, described the scene on social media, noting masses flowing from Rabin Square to Hostages Square. He wrote, "What energy. This time it's ours completely!" The atmosphere reflected the high stakes of the upcoming vote, which polls suggest will be a tight race between Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc and Eisenkot’s opposition coalition.

Neither bloc is currently projected to secure a majority of seats in parliament. The election outcome may influence whether Israel resumes military strikes on Iran. Eisenkot is viewed as less inclined to resume action against Tehran than Netanyahu. However, major parties remain united in opposing the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

Ahead of the rally, the October Council warned law enforcement about possible provocations from pro-government agitators. The group sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner regarding attempts by coalition-linked entities to disrupt the event. The coalition has previously refused to set up an independent commission, proposing instead a political commission with members appointed by both government and opposition legislators.

Opposition leaders have indicated they would boycott a commission appointed by politicians. The government’s offer splits the commission membership, with half appointed by the ruling coalition and the remainder by opposition members. The families of the captives continue to push for a fully independent body to deliver justice for those affected by the 2023 attacks.