5,000 Protesters Demand Probe Before Vote
Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to pressure Israeli leaders for an independent inquiry into the October 7 attacks, three days ahead of a general election.
By Amit Ricci ·
5,000 demonstrators filled Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday, marking three years since the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. The crowd gathered to demand an independent state commission of inquiry, a step the current government has resisted.
The October Council, a group formed by the families of hostages taken to Gaza, organized the event. In a pre-rally post on X, the group stated this would be the "culminating event marking three years of struggle to uncover the truth, demand accountability and establish a state commission of inquiry." The council seeks to hold officials responsible for the security failures that allowed the attacks to happen.
Prominent opposition figures joined the march, aiming to influence voters before the Tuesday election. Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main center-right rival, addressed the crowd. Chants of "Who's coming? The next prime minister" accompanied his arrival, according to The Times of Israel. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party, also attended. Lawyer Dan Adin described the scene on social media as "masses, masses of masses" flowing from Rabin Square to Hostages Square.
Polls indicate a tight race for Tuesday's vote, with neither Netanyahu's right-wing bloc nor Eisenkot's camp projected to win a majority in the Knesset. The outcome may affect Israel's foreign policy, particularly regarding potential strikes on Iran. Eisenkot is viewed as less likely to resume military action against Tehran if he becomes prime minister. Most major parties, however, remain united in opposing an independent Palestinian state.
The October Council warned police 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 coalition has previously offered a "political" commission, where half the members would be appointed by the government and the rest by opposition legislators. Opposition leaders have vowed to boycott such a body, insisting that a commission appointed by politicians lacks independence.
