Thousands of Israelis protested against the government in Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding an independent inquiry into the security failures surrounding the October 7, 2023 attacks.
The demonstration was held at Hostages Square, three days before Israel’s first general election since the war in Gaza began. It was organised by the October Council, founded by families of captives taken to Gaza, which is seeking accountability from officials it believes should answer for the failure to prevent the Hamas attack.
The group said the rally marked the culmination of three years of efforts to establish a state commission of inquiry. It also warned police of possible “provocations” by supporters of the government, saying it had received alerts about alleged attempts by coalition-linked groups to disrupt the event.
Opposition politicians joined the protest, including Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party and Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats. Eisenkot is Benjamin Netanyahu’s main centre-right rival.
Supporters greeted Eisenkot in Tel Aviv with chants of: “Who’s coming? The next prime minister”. Anti-government demonstrations were also reported elsewhere in Israel.
Opinion polls before Tuesday’s election suggest a close contest between Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc and Eisenkot’s alliance. Neither side is currently expected to win enough seats to command a majority in parliament.
The vote could influence whether Israel launches another round of strikes on Iran. Eisenkot is believed to be less inclined to resume military action against Tehran if he becomes prime minister, although the leading parties remain largely aligned on other foreign policy issues, including opposition to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Dispute over October 7 inquiry
The October Council is seeking an independent investigation into the government’s handling of the events that preceded the attacks. Netanyahu’s coalition has rejected calls for such a commission and instead proposed a politically appointed body.
Under that plan, half of the members would be chosen by the government and the remainder by opposition legislators. Opposition leaders have said they would boycott any commission appointed by politicians.
