Thousands of Israelis protested against Netanyahu’s government on Saturday, 24 October 2026, as the country prepared for a general election scheduled for Tuesday, 27 October.
Large crowds gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, carrying Israeli flags and calling for accountability over the security failures that preceded the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October 2023.
The October Council, a group established by families of people killed or taken hostage during the attacks, organised the demonstration.
Opposition politicians also joined the gathering, highlighting the importance of the issue in Israel’s election campaign.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced repeated demands for an independent state commission of inquiry, but his government has resisted the proposed investigation structure.
The rally came at a politically significant moment, with voters preparing to decide the composition of Israel’s next parliament.
Thousands Gather in Tel Aviv Ahead of Election
Hostages Square became the centre of Saturday’s demonstration, where thousands of protesters assembled to demand an independent investigation.
The square has been an important gathering place for families of Israeli hostages and their supporters since October 2023.
Saturday’s rally brought together bereaved families, survivors, former hostages and other citizens concerned about government accountability.
Many demonstrators carried Israeli flags, while others displayed messages calling for an official inquiry.
Protests were also reported elsewhere in Israel.
The timing was deliberate: the organisers wanted to place the demand for an investigation at the centre of public discussion before polling day.
Why Are Israelis Protesting Against Netanyahu?
The main demand concerns the failures that allowed the 7 October 2023 attacks to take place.
Hamas-led militants attacked communities and military positions in southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures.
The attacks triggered Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza, which caused extensive destruction, displacement and large-scale Palestinian civilian casualties.
Three years later, families of Israeli victims continue to demand answers about what authorities knew before the attacks and whether they missed warning signs.
Protesters want an independent investigation with the authority to examine political and military decision-making.
They argue that a credible inquiry is necessary to establish responsibility and prevent similar security failures.
Families Demand Independent October 7 Investigation
The October Council has become a prominent organisation in the campaign for a state commission of inquiry.
Its members include relatives of victims, survivors and former hostages.
The organisation argues that the investigation must be independent of the politicians whose decisions it may examine.
A state commission of inquiry is a formal investigative mechanism in Israel.
Such commissions can examine evidence, question witnesses and make recommendations concerning government and institutional failures.
Supporters believe this process would provide greater public confidence than an investigation controlled by politicians.
The government has instead supported an alternative structure involving appointments by lawmakers.
Critics argue that political involvement in selecting investigators could undermine the independence of the process.
Netanyahu’s Government Rejects Proposed Inquiry Structure
Netanyahu has resisted calls for a state commission appointed through the existing judicial mechanism.
He has argued that an inquiry involving appointments by the Supreme Court would not be sufficiently impartial.
His government has proposed a different approach involving representatives selected through a political process.
Opposition leaders have criticised this proposal and indicated they would not take part in such an arrangement.
The disagreement is not simply about whether the events should be investigated.
It also concerns who should appoint investigators, what powers they should have and whether the public would consider their conclusions independent.
The debate has become one of the major issues surrounding the election.
Opposition Leaders Join Anti-Government Demonstration
Several prominent opposition figures attended or supported Saturday’s demonstration.
Among them was Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party and a major political challenger to Netanyahu.
Eisenkot received an enthusiastic welcome when he arrived at Hostages Square.
Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats, was also involved in mobilising the protest.
Other opposition figures supporting the demand for an independent inquiry include former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, along with Avigdor Liberman.
Although these politicians differ on several policy issues, they share opposition to the government’s handling of the proposed investigation.
The October Council has emphasised that its campaign is not formally affiliated with any political party.
Israel Election 2026: What Happens on October 27?
Israelis are scheduled to vote in a general election on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
Voters will elect representatives to the Knesset, Israel’s 120-seat parliament.
Israel uses a proportional representation system, meaning political parties receive parliamentary seats according to their share of the national vote, subject to the electoral threshold.
Because individual parties rarely secure an outright majority, coalition negotiations are usually essential.
A governing coalition needs the support of at least 61 members of parliament.
The election will determine which parties can attempt to form the next government.
Netanyahu’s Likud party is competing against several opposition parties seeking a change in leadership.
Netanyahu and Eisenkot: What Are the Main Political Differences?
Benjamin Netanyahu has led a right-wing coalition government since late 2022.
His political campaign has emphasised national security, Israel’s military operations and his government’s record during a period of regional conflict.
Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief, is a centre-right alternative.
He has criticised Netanyahu’s leadership and supports establishing an independent investigation into the October 7 attacks.
However, disagreements between the candidates do not extend to every foreign policy issue.
Several major Israeli parties oppose the establishment of an independent Palestinian state under current conditions.
The election therefore involves both differences over government leadership and areas of broader political agreement.
Gaza War Remains a Major Election Issue
The war in Gaza continues to influence Israel’s political debate.
The conflict has affected Israeli security, the lives of Palestinian civilians, regional diplomacy and relations with international partners.
Families of people taken hostage have played a central role in demanding government accountability.
Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations continue to raise concerns about the consequences of military operations on Palestinian communities.
The Gaza conflict has also prompted international scrutiny of Israeli military conduct and Hamas’s actions.
These issues form part of the wider context in which Israelis are preparing to vote.
Protest Organisers Warn of Possible Disruption
Before Saturday’s demonstration, the October Council contacted Israeli police over concerns about possible attempts to disrupt the gathering.
The organisation said it had received information suggesting that people associated with pro-government groups might try to interfere with the demonstration.
These were allegations raised by the organisers, rather than findings that were independently established.
The council asked police to ensure that participants could demonstrate safely.
The rally was planned as a major public event shortly before the election.
Organisers arranged transport from across the country to help supporters attend.
Why the Election Matters Beyond Israel
International observers are closely following Israel’s election because of the country’s role in Middle Eastern security and diplomacy.
The next government will face decisions involving Gaza, relations with the United States, tensions with Iran and wider regional security arrangements.
The outcome could also affect Israel’s approach to negotiations involving Palestinian representatives and neighbouring countries.
However, the direction of future policy will depend on the parties represented in parliament and any coalition agreements reached after the vote.
Even after election results are announced, negotiations to establish a government could take additional time.
What Happens Next?
The next major event is the general election on Tuesday, 27 October.
The immediate focus will be on voter turnout, the distribution of parliamentary seats and subsequent coalition discussions.
The demand for an independent October 7 investigation is likely to remain part of the political debate regardless of the election result.
Families involved in the October Council have indicated that they will continue seeking accountability.
Whether an inquiry is established will depend on future government decisions and any relevant legal developments.
Conclusion
Thousands of Israelis rallying against Netanyahu’s government have placed the demand for an independent investigation into the October 7 attacks at the centre of attention just days before the general election.
The demonstration in Tel Aviv brought together victims’ families, former hostages, survivors and opposition politicians.
Organisers want a state commission of inquiry that can examine the security and political failures surrounding the attacks.
Netanyahu’s government supports a different investigative arrangement, arguing that the existing appointment process would be biased.
As Israelis prepare to vote on 27 October, the debate over accountability remains one of the important questions facing the country.
The election will determine the next composition of parliament, but the broader demand for answers is unlikely to disappear immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Israelis protesting against Netanyahu?
Protesters are demanding an independent investigation into the security failures surrounding the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023.
Where did the protests take place?
The main demonstration took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday, 24 October 2026.
When is Israel’s next election?
Israel’s general election is scheduled for Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
Who organised the protests?
The October Council, an organisation representing families of victims, former hostages and survivors of the October 7 attacks.
Who is Gadi Eisenkot?
Gadi Eisenkot is a former Israeli military chief and leader of the Yashar party. He is a prominent political challenger to Netanyahu.
What is a state commission of inquiry?
It is an independent investigative body with powers to examine evidence, question witnesses and make recommendations.
Has Netanyahu agreed to an independent October 7 inquiry?
Netanyahu has rejected the proposed state commission structure and supported an alternative process involving political appointments.
Who will win the Israeli election?
The result is not yet known. The composition of the next government will depend on the election results and coalition negotiations.
