Rally Demands Inquiry as Israeli Election Nears

Thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday to press for an independent investigation into the security failures that preceded the October 7, 2023 attacks, three days before the country's first general election since the war in Gaza began.

The gathering filled Hostages Square, the public plaza where families of captives taken to Gaza three years ago have maintained a vigil. The October Council, formed by those families, organized the demonstration to seek accountability for the state's failure to prevent the Hamas assault. The group stated in advance on X: "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."

Opposition figures joined the march. Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main centre-right rival, attended the rally, where demonstrators chanted "Who's coming? The next prime minister", The Times of Israel reported. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats, also appeared. Lawyer Dan Adin, writing on X, described "masses, masses of masses" moving from Rabin Square toward Hostages Square. Protests were also underway in other parts of Israel, the Haaretz newspaper reported.

The October Council said it had sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner following alerts about attempts by entities linked to the coalition to disrupt the rally. The council seeks to hold officials deemed responsible for the October 7 attacks to account and to deliver justice for affected families.

Polls ahead of Tuesday's election point to a tight race, with Netanyahu's right-wing bloc, in power since late 2022, running neck and neck with Eisenkot's. Neither bloc is currently projected to secure a majority of seats in Israel's parliament. The vote could determine whether Israel launches another round of strikes on Iran; Eisenkot is believed to be less inclined to resume military action against Tehran. On other foreign policy questions, leading Israeli parties remain united, including in their opposition to the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

Netanyahu's coalition has refused demands for an independent commission of inquiry, offering instead a "political" commission in which half the members would be appointed by the government and the remainder by opposition legislators. Opposition leaders have said they would boycott a commission appointed by politicians.