Tel Aviv: 5,000 Protesters Demand State Commission on October 7 Failures

Approximately 5,000 demonstrators filled Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding an independent state commission of inquiry into the security failures of October 7, 2023. The gathering took place just 72 hours before Israel’s first general election since the Gaza war began.

The October Council, founded by the families of captives taken during the Hamas attack, organized the event. In a statement posted on X, the group described the rally as the culminating event of three years of struggle to uncover the truth and demand accountability. They specifically called for the establishment of a state commission to investigate how the government failed to prevent the attack.

Leading opposition figures joined the crowd in Tel Aviv. Gadi Eisenkot, the head of the Yashar party and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s primary center-right rival, was present. According to The Times of Israel, crowds chanted "Who's coming? The next prime minister" as he arrived. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party, also attended. Dan Adin, an Israeli lawyer and citizen, posted on X that "masses, masses of masses" flowed from Rabin Square to the protest site, declaring the energy belonged to the opposition.

Haaretz reported that antigovernment demonstrations occurred in other parts of Israel as well. The timing coincides with a tight electoral race. Current polls indicate that Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc, which has held power since late 2022, is running neck and neck with Eisenkot’s bloc. Neither side is projected to secure a majority of seats in the Knesset.

The election outcome may influence foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding potential new strikes on Iran. Eisenkot is believed to be less inclined to resume military action against Tehran if he assumes the premiership. However, major parties remain largely united on other foreign policy issues, including opposition to an independent Palestinian state.

Tensions were expected before the rally began. The October Council warned law enforcement of possible provocations from pro-government agitators. The group stated it sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner after receiving alerts that entities linked to the coalition government attempted to disrupt the event.

The dispute centers on the composition of the inquiry body. The government has refused to establish a fully independent commission. Instead, it proposed a "political" commission where half the members would be appointed by the government and the other half by opposition legislators. Opposition leaders have indicated they would boycott such a body, viewing it as a tool for political management rather than impartial investigation.