Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and demand an independent inquiry into the security failures that led to the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023.
The demonstration took place at Hostages Square, three days before Israel’s general election, the first since the war on Gaza began. Protesters called for accountability over the government’s failure to prevent the attacks.
The rally was organised by the October Council, a group formed by families of captives taken to Gaza. The group has campaigned for an independent state commission of inquiry into the events surrounding the attacks.
“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 council said in a post on X ahead of the demonstration.
Leading opposition figures joined the rally, including Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party, a prominent centre-right challenger to Netanyahu, and Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party.
According to The Times of Israel, Eisenkot was welcomed by chants of “Who’s coming? The next prime minister”.
Anti-government demonstrations were also reported elsewhere in Israel, according to the Haaretz newspaper.
Israeli lawyer Dan Adin, commenting on the protests on X, described large crowds marching from Rabin Square to Hostages Square as a show of support for political change.
The October Council has urged authorities to investigate the government’s handling of the events leading up to the October 7 attacks and hold officials responsible for security failures to account.
Netanyahu’s coalition has rejected calls for an independent state commission of inquiry and proposed an alternative commission whose members would be appointed by government and opposition lawmakers.
Opposition leaders have said they would boycott a panel appointed by politicians, arguing that such a process would not ensure an independent investigation.
Ahead of Saturday’s rally, the October Council also warned police of possible attempts by pro-government groups to disrupt the demonstration.
Opinion polls ahead of Tuesday’s election suggested a close contest between Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc and the bloc aligned with Eisenkot, with neither projected to secure a parliamentary majority.
The election could influence Israel’s future approach to Iran, although major political parties remain broadly aligned on several foreign policy issues, including their opposition to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.