Thousands protest Netanyahu in Tel Aviv three days before election

Thousands of Israelis marched in Tel Aviv against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu three days before the general election, demanding an official commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023 attack.

Thousands of Israelis marched in Tel Aviv on Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, three days before the general election scheduled for October 27, which is described as a referendum on his rule, Agence France-Presse reported.

The march began at Rabin Square and headed toward Hostages Square. It was organized by the “October Council,” founded by the families of victims and hostages of the October 7, 2023 attack, which is demanding the formation of an official commission of inquiry into the attack and accountability for those responsible for failing to prevent it. The council described the march as the “culminating event” of three years of campaigning.

Israeli opposition politician Gadi Eisenkot during an event

Leaders of the four main opposition parties were expected to attend, including Gadi Eisenkot, whom polls show close to Netanyahu. Netanyahu’s government rejected the formation of an independent commission of inquiry and proposed a “political” commission, with the coalition appointing half its members and the opposition the other half. Opposition leaders said they would boycott any commission appointed by politicians.

The latest opinion polls, conducted before the media blackout period began on Friday evening, showed that neither camp would win a majority in the Knesset. The council had sent an urgent letter to the police chief warning of possible “provocations” by government supporters.