Five thousand gather in Tel Aviv to demand state probe before Tuesday vote

Approximately 5,000 people occupied Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding an independent state commission to investigate the security lapses that allowed the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The gathering occurred three days before Israel’s first general election since the war in Gaza began. Participants included members of the October Council, a group founded by the families of captives taken to Gaza three years ago. The council is seeking accountability for the government's inability to prevent the attack that started the conflict.

The October Council described the event as the culminating moment of a three-year struggle for truth. On X, the group stated its intent to hold a state commission of inquiry. Leading opposition figures joined the crowd in Tel Aviv. Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s main center-right rival, addressed the demonstrators. Chants of "Who's coming? The next prime minister" were reported by The Times of Israel. Yair Golan, head of the Democrats party, also attended the rally.

Lawyer Dan Adin documented the turnout on social media, describing "masses, masses of masses" moving from Rabin Square to the protest site. He noted the energy of the crowd, writing, "This time it's ours completely!" Haaretz reported that antigovernment demonstrations took place in other parts of Israel as well. The October Council had warned law enforcement of potential disruptions. It sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner citing alerts about attempts by coalition-linked entities to provoke or disrupt the rally.

Polls released ahead of Tuesday’s election indicate a tight contest. Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc, which has held power since late 2022, is running neck and neck with Eisenkot’s coalition. Neither side is projected to secure a majority of seats in the Knesset. The election outcome may influence foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding military action against Iran. Eisenkot is viewed as less inclined to resume strikes on Tehran compared to Netanyahu. However, leading parties remain united on most other foreign policy issues, including opposition to an independent Palestinian state.

The dispute over the inquiry has divided the political landscape. Netanyahu’s coalition has rejected calls for an independent body. Instead, the government proposed a "political" commission where half the members would be appointed by the government and the rest by opposition legislators. Opposition leaders have stated they would boycott such a politically appointed commission. The protest in Tel Aviv stands as the final major public demonstration before voters head to the polls on Tuesday.