Thousands of Israelis Rally Against Netanyahu Government Days Before Election

Thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets of Tel Aviv to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, demanding accountability for the security failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, just three days before the country’s general election.

The demonstration, held on Saturday, October 24, at Hostages Square, brought together families of victims, former hostages, survivors of the October 7 attacks and opposition politicians calling for an independent state commission of inquiry into the events that preceded the attack.

The rally was organised by the October Council, a group representing survivors, former hostages and bereaved families who have campaigned for an independent investigation into how the attack was able to occur.

The October 7 assault exposed serious security failures in Israel and triggered the devastating war in Gaza. Families of victims have repeatedly demanded that political leaders be held accountable for the failures that allowed the attack to take place.

Protesters Demand Independent Investigation

At the centre of Saturday’s demonstration was the demand for an independent commission to investigate the security and political failures surrounding the attack.

The Netanyahu administration has resisted calls for such an inquiry, instead proposing a commission whose members would be appointed equally by the governing coalition and opposition lawmakers.

Opposition politicians and campaigners have rejected the proposal, arguing that politicians should not determine the composition of a body investigating failures for which political leaders may be held responsible.

Families of victims say an independent investigation is necessary to establish the truth, provide accountability and prevent a similar security disaster from happening again.

Some bereaved relatives also used the rally to urge voters to remember those who were killed, abducted or affected by the attack when they cast their ballots.

Opposition Leaders Join Demonstrators

Several prominent opposition figures attended the rally, including Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the centrist Yashar party and one of Netanyahu’s principal electoral challengers.

Other opposition figures present included former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, as well as Yair Golan and Avigdor Liberman.

Their participation highlighted the importance of the inquiry issue in the final days of the election campaign.

The demonstration also provided an opportunity for critics of the government to express broader concerns about its leadership, national security and Israel’s international standing following years of conflict.

Organisers said the gathering was intended to demand accountability rather than endorse a particular political party.

Election Race Remains Closely Contested

Israelis are scheduled to vote on Tuesday, October 27, in a general election that could determine whether Netanyahu remains in power.

Pre-election polling published before restrictions on political polling took effect suggested that neither the prime minister’s bloc nor the opposition grouping was projected to secure a majority in the 120-member Knesset, Israel’s parliament.

The closely contested race has placed additional attention on issues including national security, government accountability, the economy and Israel’s relations with international partners.

Netanyahu’s supporters and opponents differ sharply over his government’s record and the direction the country should take.

The election is also taking place against the background of regional tensions and the consequences of Israel’s military campaigns in Gaza and elsewhere in the Middle East.

A Test of Public Confidence

Saturday’s rally underscored the continuing anger among sections of Israeli society over the October 7 attack and the absence of an independent state inquiry.

For the families of victims, the demand for answers has become a central issue extending beyond the immediate election campaign.

Whether the next government establishes the independent investigation sought by the demonstrators remains a major question ahead of the vote.

With the election only days away, the protests have placed government accountability firmly in the public debate, even as the country prepares to make a decision about its political leadership.