Eisenkot and Golan join thousands in Tel Aviv to demand inquiry into security failures

Thousands of Israelis filled the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday to demand answers regarding the security breakdowns that allowed the October 7, 2023 attacks to occur.

The gathering took place just three days before the country’s first general election since the war in Gaza began. Protesters converged on the public plaza known as Hostages Square to mark the third anniversary of the events that changed the nation’s political landscape.

The October Council, a group founded by the families of captives taken to Gaza three years ago, organized the event. The group is pressing for accountability from the government for its failure to prevent the Hamas attack. In a statement posted on X ahead of the rally, the council described the event as a culmination of three years of struggle to uncover the truth. They emphasized the need to establish a state commission of inquiry.

The rally was not limited to Tel Aviv, as protests erupted in other parts of Israel, according to the Haaretz newspaper. Leading opposition figures joined the crowds in the city center. Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s main centre-right rival, addressed the demonstrators. The Times of Israel reported that Eisenkot was greeted by chants asking who is coming next, with the crowd answering that the next prime minister is arriving.

Yair Golan, the leader of the Democrats, also attended the demonstration. Dan Adin, an Israeli citizen and lawyer, posted on social media about the massive crowds flowing from Rabin Square to Hostages Square. He described the scene as masses of masses and noted the high energy of the moment, stating that this time it belongs completely to the people.

Polls conducted ahead of Tuesday’s election indicate a tight race. Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc, which has held power since late 2022, is running neck and neck with Eisenkot’s camp. Neither bloc is currently projected to secure a majority of seats in the Israeli parliament. This stalemate suggests that coalition building will be crucial in the days following the vote.

The election outcome may determine Israel’s next move regarding military strikes on Iran. Eisenkot is believed to be less inclined to resume military action against Tehran if he becomes prime minister. However, leading Israeli parties remain united on most other foreign policy issues. This includes a shared opposition to the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

Before the protest began, the October Council warned law enforcement about possible provocations from pro-government agitators. The group sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner following alerts that entities linked to the coalition government were attempting to disrupt the rally. The council emphasized the need for security measures to protect the peaceful demonstration.

The core demand of the October Council remains the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry. The group seeks to hold officials deemed responsible for the October 7 attacks to account and to deliver justice for affected families. Netanyahu’s coalition government has refused this demand. Instead, the government has offered to set up a political commission where half the members would be appointed by the government and the remainder by opposition legislators. Opposition leaders have stated they would boycott any commission appointed by politicians.

The political stakes are high as the country prepares to vote. The rally in Tel Aviv served as a final push for the opposition to highlight their agenda before Tuesday. The presence of major party leaders signaled a unified front against the incumbent government’s handling of the crisis. The outcome of the election will shape Israel’s domestic and foreign policy direction for years to come.