Eisenkot joins thousands in Tel Aviv as Israel heads to Tuesday vote

Thousands of Israelis filled the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday to demand answers about the October 7, 2023 attacks.

The rally took place at Hostages Square, a public plaza in the city center. It was organized by the October Council, a group formed by the families of captives taken to Gaza three years ago. The group is pushing for accountability regarding the government's role in the Hamas assault that started the war in Gaza. The October Council stated on X that this event marks three years of struggle to uncover the truth and establish a state commission of inquiry.

Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main center-right rival, attended the demonstration. Chants of "Who's coming? The next prime minister" greeted him, according to The Times of Israel. Yair Golan, the leader of the Democrats, also participated in the event. Lawyer Dan Adin described the crowds flowing from Rabin Square to Hostages Square as "masses, masses of masses," adding that the energy felt like "this time it's ours completely!" Anti-government protests were also held in other parts of the country, Haaretz reported.

The rally comes just three days before Israel holds its first general election since the Gaza war began. Polls indicate a tight race. Netanyahu's right-wing bloc, which has been in power since late 2022, is running neck and neck with Eisenkot's coalition. Neither side is currently projected to win a majority of seats in the Knesset.

The outcome of Tuesday's vote may influence whether Israel resumes strikes on Iran. Eisenkot is considered less likely to restart military action against Tehran if he becomes prime minister. However, major parties remain united on most other foreign policy issues, including their opposition to an independent Palestinian state.

Before the rally, the October Council warned police about potential disruptions. The group said it sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner after receiving alerts that entities linked to the coalition might try to provoke the crowd. The council has consistently sought to hold officials responsible for the October 7 attacks to account. Netanyahu's government has refused to create an independent commission, proposing instead a "political" commission with half its members appointed by the government and the rest by opposition legislators. Opposition leaders have said they would boycott a commission appointed by politicians.