Protesters demand state probe of Oct. 7 failures before Tuesday vote

Residents of Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities turned out in large numbers on Saturday to press for an independent review of the security failures that allowed the October 7, 2023 attacks to succeed. The demonstrations occurred three days before the country’s first general election since the war in Gaza began.

The main gathering took place at the public plaza in Tel Aviv known as Hostages Square. The event was organized by the October Council, a group founded by the families of captives taken to Gaza three years ago. The council is seeking accountability from the government for its inability to prevent the Hamas attack that triggered the conflict.

In a post on X before the rally, the October Council described the event as the culmination of three years of struggle to uncover the truth. The group stated its goal was to demand accountability and establish a state commission of inquiry.

Leading opposition figures joined the crowd in Tel Aviv. Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party, attended the rally. He is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s main center-right rival in the upcoming election. Yair Golan, the leader of the Democrats party, was also present. Eisenkot was greeted by chants from supporters asking who is coming to be the next prime minister.

Dan Adin, a lawyer and Israeli citizen, posted on X that large crowds flowed from Rabin Square to Hostages Square during the Democrats march. He described the scene as having massive energy, noting that the moment felt entirely theirs.

Polls indicate a tight race for Tuesday’s election. Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc, which has held power since late 2022, is running neck and neck with Eisenkot’s bloc. Neither side is currently projected to secure a majority of seats in the Knesset. The outcome may influence whether Israel launches another round of strikes on Iran, as Eisenkot is believed to be less inclined to resume military action against Tehran if he takes office.

The October Council warned law enforcement about potential disruptions from pro-government agitators. The group sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner regarding attempts by entities linked to the coalition to disrupt the rally. Netanyahu’s government has refused to create an independent commission, proposing instead a political body where half the members would be appointed by the government and the rest by opposition legislators. Opposition leaders have said they would boycott such a commission.