Eisenkot Joins October Council Rally in Tel Aviv to Push for State Commission

Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to demand an independent investigation into the security lapses that allowed the October 7, 2023 attacks to occur.

The protest took place at Hostages Square, a public plaza in Tel Aviv. The October Council, a group formed by the families of captives taken to Gaza three years ago, organized the event. The group seeks accountability for the government's failure to prevent the Hamas attack that started the war.

In a post on X before the rally, the October Council stated that the gathering would mark three years of their struggle for truth. "Three days before the election, we will hold the culminating event marking three years of struggle to uncover the truth, demand accountability and establish a state commission of inquiry," the group wrote.

Opposition leaders joined the crowd. Gadi Eisenkot, the main center-right rival to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, attended the rally in Tel Aviv. According to The Times of Israel, he was greeted by chants asking, "Who's coming? The next prime minister." Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party, was also present. Lawyer Dan Adin posted on X about the large crowds moving from Rabin Square to Hostages Square, describing the energy as belonging to the protesters.

The Haaretz newspaper reported that antigovernment demonstrations occurred in other parts of Israel on the same day. The October Council warned law enforcement about potential disruptions from pro-government agitators. The group said it sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner after receiving alerts about attempts by entities linked to the coalition to disrupt the rally.

Polls show a tight race ahead of Tuesday's election. 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 parliament. The election outcome may influence whether Israel resumes strikes on Iran, as Eisenkot is believed to be less inclined to resume military action against Tehran than Netanyahu.

The Netanyahu government has refused to establish an independent state commission. It has instead proposed a political commission where half the members would be appointed by the government and the other half by opposition legislators. Opposition leaders have said they would boycott a commission appointed by politicians.