Thousands take to Tel Aviv's streets for protests against Netanyahu

Newswire reports that thousands gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday, October 24, to protest Netanyahu’s government, three days ahead of the general election. Participants carried Israeli flags and sought accountability for the security breakdown before the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, which led to the war in Gaza. Ada Derana and Hiru News also report a large demonstration against Netanyahu ahead of the vote.

Newswire reports that the October Council organised the rally. The group was formed by families of people taken captive during the October 7 attacks, and has repeatedly called for an independent state inquiry into how the attacks unfolded and who bore responsibility for the security lapses. Newswire reports that Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar party and a leading rival of Netanyahu, and Democrats leader Yair Golan joined the protest.

Newswire reports that Netanyahu’s government has opposed calls for an independent inquiry and put forward an alternative commission whose members would be chosen by government and opposition lawmakers. Newswire reports that opposition leaders rejected this proposal, arguing that an inquiry should be free of political influence.

Newswire reports that Israel’s election was scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, with opinion polls pointing to a close race between Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc and opposition parties. Newswire describes it as Israel’s first general election since the Gaza war began in October 2023.