Thousands of Israelis have demonstrated in Tel Aviv against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, three days before Knesset elections and amid calls to replace his government and hold it accountable for its failures.
Thousands gathered at Hostages Square on Saturday evening for a rally organised by the October Council, attended by families, former captives held in Gaza and their relatives.
Top opposition leaders Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Lapid, Avigdor Lieberman, and Yair Golan participated amid intensifying competition with Netanyahu’s ruling coalition ahead of Tuesday’s elections.
Demonstrators rallied under the slogan, “After three years of struggle, we begin the repair,” demanding accountability for the failures surrounding the October 7, 2023 blitz.
“Starting next Wednesday, we will work to establish a state commission of inquiry that uncovers the truth and delivers justice for the families,” Golan said.
“This is our duty and our mission. We will rehabilitate, rebuild and repair. This is our message.”
Before ballot, a message from street
Despite the opposition leaders’ participation, the October Council stressed that the demonstration was a civic event organised by families and was not intended to support any party or electoral list.
The October Council is a civic group that campaigns for an independent state inquiry into the failures surrounding the October 7 blitz.
Netanyahu has refused demands to establish an independent commission of inquiry.
According to Channel 12, Netanyahu’s Likud party asked the Central Elections Committee on Thursday to prohibit major television channels from broadcasting the rally, arguing that it constituted “election propaganda.”
Committee chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg rejected the request, finding insufficient factual grounds to support it.
Earlier on Saturday, the October Council sent a letter to Israeli Police Commissioner Danny Levy, warning of possible attempts to disrupt the demonstration.
It urged police to strengthen preparations and prevent attempts to disrupt the rally.
