5,000 Israelis Demand State Inquiry Before Tuesday Vote

Approximately 5,000 people gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to demand an independent state commission of inquiry into the security failures that preceded the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. The demonstration took place at the public plaza known as Hostages Square. Organizers called the event the culmination of three years of advocacy by the families of the captives.

The October Council, a group founded by the families of those taken to Gaza, organized the rally. The group has consistently pushed for accountability regarding the government's failure to prevent the attack that started the war in Gaza. In a post on X, the council stated it was holding this event to "uncover the truth, demand accountability and establish a state commission of inquiry."

This protest is the latest in a series of actions by the council. For three years, the group has lobbied for an independent panel. The government has resisted this demand, preferring a political commission where half the members are appointed by the ruling coalition and the rest by the opposition. Opposition leaders have said they would boycott such a body, viewing it as controlled by politicians rather than independent investigators.

Leading opposition figures joined the crowd in Tel Aviv. Gadi Eisenkot, the candidate for the Yashar party and the main centre-right rival to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, attended the rally. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party, was also present. Chants in the crowd called Eisenkot the next prime minister. Lawyer Dan Adin described the march from Rabin Square to Hostages Square on social media, noting the large turnout and energy.

The timing of the protest coincides with the lead-up to Israel's first general election since the war in Gaza began. The vote is scheduled for Tuesday, three days after the rally. Polls indicate a close race between Netanyahu's right-wing bloc and Eisenkot's centre-right coalition. Neither side is currently projected to win a majority of seats in parliament.

The outcome of the election may influence foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding military action against Iran. Eisenkot is seen as less likely to resume strikes on Tehran if he becomes prime minister. However, major political parties remain largely united on other foreign policy issues, including their opposition to an independent Palestinian state.

Before the rally, the October Council warned police about potential disruptions. The group sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner regarding alerts of "provocations" from pro-government agitators linked to the coalition. Protests also occurred in other parts of Israel, according to reports from the Haaretz newspaper.