Israelis Demand State Commission As Election Looms

Israel is three days away from its first general election since the war in Gaza began, and thousands of citizens gathered on Saturday to demand answers about the October 7, 2023, attacks.

The rally took place at the public plaza in Tel Aviv known as Hostages Square. The October Council, a group established by the families of captives taken to Gaza, organized the event. The group is pressing for a state commission of inquiry to investigate why the government failed to prevent the Hamas attack.

The October Council stated on the social media platform X that the rally marks three years of effort to uncover the 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.

Demonstrators also gathered in other parts of Israel for anti-government demonstrations, according to the Haaretz newspaper. Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main center-right rival, attended the Tel Aviv event. Yair Golan, the leader of the Democrats party, also participated.

At the Tel Aviv rally, crowds chanted "Who's coming? The next prime minister" as Eisenkot appeared, according to The Times of Israel. Lawyer Dan Adin described the scene on X, noting "masses, masses of masses" moving from Rabin Square to Hostages Square. He added: "What energy. This time it's ours completely!"

Polls indicate a tight race for Tuesday's vote. Netanyahu's right-wing bloc, which has held power since late 2022, is running neck and neck with Eisenkot's coalition. Neither side is currently projected to secure a majority of seats in the parliament. The outcome may influence whether Israel resumes military strikes against Iran, as Eisenkot is viewed as less inclined to continue that action than Netanyahu.

Before the protest, the October Council warned law enforcement about potential disruptions. The group sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner regarding alerts about pro-government agitators. Netanyahu's coalition has rejected demands for an independent inquiry, proposing instead a political commission where half the members would be appointed by the government. Opposition leaders have said they would boycott a commission with that structure.