Thousands Press for Independent Inquiry Days Before Israeli Vote
Opposition figures joined a rally at Hostages Square calling for a state commission of inquiry into the 2023 security failures.
By Carmen Wojcik ·
Thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday, three days before the country's first general election since the Gaza war began, demanding an independent investigation into the security failures that preceded the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Demonstrators filled Hostages Square for an event organized by the October Council, a group formed by families of captives taken to Gaza three years ago. The council said it wants accountability for what it calls the government's failure to prevent the Hamas attack. "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 before the rally.
Opposition figures joined the crowd. Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main centre-right rival, appeared at the plaza, where chants of "Who's coming? The next prime minister" rang out, according to The Times of Israel. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats, also attended. Haaretz reported similar antigovernment demonstrations in other parts of Israel.
The October Council said it had alerted law enforcement to possible trouble before the gathering. "We have sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner following alerts about attempts by entities linked to the coalition to disrupt tonight's rally," the group wrote on X.
Polls ahead of Tuesday's vote show a tight race. Netanyahu's right-wing bloc, in power since late 2022, runs neck and neck with Eisenkot's, and neither is projected to win a majority of seats in Israel's parliament.
The result could shape whether Israel launches another round of strikes on Iran. Eisenkot is considered less inclined to resume military action against Tehran if he becomes prime minister. On other foreign policy questions, leading Israeli parties agree, including their opposition to an independent Palestinian state.
The October Council wants Israeli officials deemed responsible for the October 7 attacks held to account. Netanyahu's coalition has refused calls for an independent commission of inquiry, offering instead a political commission that the government would appoint half of and opposition legislators the rest. Opposition leaders have said they would boycott a commission chosen by politicians.
