Protesters in Tel Aviv Demand State Commission for October 7 Failures

Thousands of Israelis gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday to demand an independent state commission of inquiry into the security failures of October 7, 2023. The rally took place three days before the nation’s first general election since the Gaza war began. Organizers, the October Council, cited the event as a culmination of three years of advocacy for accountability.

The October Council, founded by families of captives taken to Gaza, coordinates the protest. The group insists on a fully independent body to investigate the government's inability to prevent the Hamas attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government has rejected this approach, proposing instead a political commission with members appointed by both ruling and opposition legislators.

Leading opposition figures joined the demonstration. Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party and Netanyahu’s primary center-right rival, addressed the crowd. Chants of "Who's coming? The next prime minister" erupted as he spoke, according to The Times of Israel. Yair Golan, head of the Democrats party, also attended the event.

Dan Adin, an Israeli lawyer, posted on X describing the turnout as "masses, masses of masses" during the Democrats march from Rabin Square to Hostages Square. He added, "What energy. This time it's ours completely!" The Haaretz newspaper reported that antigovernment demonstrations occurred in other cities across Israel simultaneously.

Polls indicate a tight race on Tuesday. Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc, which has held power since late 2022, is projected to remain neck and neck with Eisenkot’s alliance. Neither group is currently expected to secure a majority of seats in the Knesset. The election outcome may influence whether Israel resumes military strikes against Iran, a move Eisenkot is believed to oppose if elected.

The October Council warned police ahead of the rally about potential disruptions. The group sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner citing alerts about attempts by entities linked to the coalition to interfere. Opposition leaders have stated they will boycott any commission appointed by politicians, reinforcing their stance against the government’s proposed structure.

The vote is scheduled for Tuesday. Parties remain united on most foreign policy issues, including opposition to an independent Palestinian state, despite their domestic disagreements over the October 7 investigation.