Thousands Take to the Streets in Anti-Netanyahu Protest
Thousands of Israelis demonstrated against the government and called for an independent inquiry into the security failures that led to the 7 October 2023 attack. Crowds gathered on Saturday in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, three days before Israel’s first election since the war in Gaza began.
The protest was organised by the October Council, a group founded by the families of hostages taken to Gaza three years ago. It aims to demand accountability for the failure to prevent the Hamas attack that preceded the war.
“Three days before the election, we are holding the culmination of a three-year struggle: to uncover the truth, demand accountability and establish a state commission of inquiry,” the October Council wrote on X before the demonstration.
Similar protests were also held elsewhere in Israel. Opposition figures attended, including Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party, the main centre-right challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In Tel Aviv, demonstrators greeted him with chants of: “Who’s coming? The next prime minister!” Al Jazeera reported on Sunday (25 October 2026).
“A crowd, truly a sea of people, is marching in the Democratic Party procession from Rabin Square to Hostages Square—for change, for hope, for r-e-n-e-w-a-l. The energy is incredible. This time, it’s entirely ours!” Israeli resident Dan Adin wrote on X.
Opinion polls ahead of Tuesday’s election indicate a close race. Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc, in power since late 2022, is level with Eisenkot’s bloc. Neither side is projected to win a parliamentary majority.
The election could determine whether Israel launches further attacks on Iran. Eisenkot is considered more reluctant to authorise new military action against Tehran if elected.
On other issues, however, most Israeli parties remain aligned, including in their opposition to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Before the demonstration, the October Council warned security officials of possible “provocations” by government supporters. “We have sent an urgent letter to the police chief regarding reports of attempts by groups affiliated with the coalition to disrupt this protest,” it wrote.
The Netanyahu government has rejected the creation of an independent commission of inquiry. Instead, it has proposed a “political” commission, with half its members appointed by the government and the remainder by the opposition. Opposition leaders have said they will boycott a commission appointed by politicians.