October Council Leads Tel Aviv Rally Against Netanyahu Ahead of Tuesday Vote
Thousands gathered at Hostages Square to demand an independent inquiry into the 2023 security failures as the general election approaches.
By Larissa Shah ·
The October Council organized a large demonstration in Tel Aviv on Saturday, drawing thousands of protesters to the plaza known as Hostages Square. The group, founded by families of captives taken to Gaza in 2023, called for an independent state commission of inquiry into the security failures that allowed the Hamas attack to occur.
The rally took place three days before Israel’s first general election since the war in Gaza began. The October Council stated on social media that the event would mark the culmination of three years of efforts to uncover the truth and demand accountability from the government.
Opposition leaders joined the crowd in Tel Aviv. Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party and the main center-right rival to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressed the demonstrators. Chants of “Who’s coming? The next prime minister” were reported by The Times of Israel. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party, also attended. Lawyer Dan Adin described the march from Rabin Square to Hostages Square on X, noting the large turnout and energy among participants.
Protests also occurred in other parts of Israel, according to the Haaretz newspaper. The October Council had alerted police to possible disruptions from groups linked to the ruling coalition. In a letter to the Police Commissioner, the council said it received warnings about attempts by pro-government agitators to interfere with the event.
Polling data indicates a tight race for Tuesday’s vote. Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc, which has governed since late 2022, is currently tied with Eisenkot’s bloc. Neither side is projected to win a majority of seats in the Knesset. The election outcome may influence whether Israel resumes military strikes on Iran, with Eisenkot viewed as less likely to resume action against Tehran than Netanyahu.
The government has rejected calls for a fully independent inquiry. Instead, Netanyahu’s coalition proposed a political commission where half the members would be appointed by the government and the other half by opposition legislators. Opposition leaders have stated they would boycott such a body if it is established by politicians.
The vote is scheduled for Tuesday. Both major blocs remain united on most foreign policy issues, including their opposition to the creation of an independent Palestinian state. The October Council continues to push for a judicial inquiry to hold officials responsible for the events of October 7, 2023, accountable.
