Thousands of Israelis rally against Netanyahu’s government days before elections | Israel Elections 2026 News
Opposition figures join protesters in Tel Aviv to demand an independent investigation on October 7.
Published on October 24, 2026
Thousands of Israelis are protesting the government and demanding an independent investigation into the security failures that led to the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Protesters gathered in the public square known as Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday, three days before Israel’s first general elections since the start of the genocidal war on Gaza.
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The protest was organized by the October Council, a group founded by the families of captives taken to Gaza three years ago, to demand accountability for the government’s failure to prevent the Hamas attack that preceded the war.
“Three days before the election, we will hold the culminating event marking three years of struggle to uncover the truth, demand accountability, and establish a state commission of inquiry,” the October Council on X wrote ahead of the rally.
Elsewhere in Israel, demonstrators were also gathering for anti-government demonstrations, the Haaretz newspaper reported.
It was attended by figures from opposition parties, including Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s main center-right rival.
In Tel Aviv, Eisenkot was greeted with chants of “Who’s coming? The next prime minister,” according to the Times of Israel. Democratic leader Yair Golan was also present at the rally.
“Masses, masses of masses flocked to the march of ‘Democrats’ from Rabin Square to Hostages Square – for change, for hope, for revolution. What energy. This time, it’s all ours!” posted Israeli citizen and lawyer Dan Adin on X.
Polls ahead of Tuesday’s elections suggest a close race, with Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc, in power since late 2022, neck and neck with Eisenkot’s. Neither bloc is currently expected to gain a majority of seats in the Israeli parliament.
The election could be crucial in determining whether Israel will launch a new round of strikes against Iran. Eisenkot would be less likely to resume military action against Tehran if he becomes Israel’s next prime minister.
However, on most other foreign policy issues, Israel’s major parties and politicians remain united, including in their opposition to the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
Before the demonstration, the October Council alerted law enforcement to possible “provocations” from pro-government agitators.
“We have sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner following alerts regarding attempts by coalition-linked entities to disrupt tonight’s rally,” he wrote on X.
The October Council aims to hold accountable Israeli officials found responsible for the October 7 attacks and to provide justice to the affected families.
Netanyahu’s coalition government, however, has refused calls for the creation of an independent commission of inquiry. Instead, he proposed creating a “political” commission. Half of the commission’s members would be appointed by the government, while the rest would be appointed by opposition lawmakers.
Opposition leaders said they would boycott a commission appointed by politicians.
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