Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and demand an independent inquiry into the security failures that preceded the October 7, 2023 attacks. The demonstration, held in Hostages Square, occurred just three days before Israel's general election, the first since the commencement of the conflict in Gaza.

The protest was organized by the October Council, a group formed by families of individuals taken captive in Gaza. They are calling for accountability for what they perceive as the government's failure to prevent the Hamas attack that triggered the ongoing 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 stated on X prior to the rally. Opposition figures, including Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party, Netanyahu's main rival, and Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats, joined the demonstrators in Tel Aviv.

Eisenkot was reportedly met with chants of "Who’s coming? The next prime minister" by the crowd. The upcoming election is anticipated to be closely contested, with polls indicating a tight race between Netanyahu's right-wing bloc and Eisenkot's party. Neither bloc is currently projected to secure a parliamentary majority.

The election's outcome could influence Israel's foreign policy, particularly regarding potential further military action against Iran. Eisenkot is considered less likely to resume strikes against Tehran if he assumes the role of prime minister. However, consensus remains on many other foreign policy matters, including opposition to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Protests against the government were also reported in other parts of Israel, according to Haaretz newspaper. The October Council had previously alerted law enforcement to potential disruptions from pro-government agitators, citing concerns about provocations.

The national election is seen as a critical juncture for Israel, with voters facing a choice that could shape the country's leadership and its approach to ongoing security challenges and regional relations. The demand for an independent inquiry into the October 7 attacks highlights a significant point of contention and a desire for accountability among a segment of the Israeli public.

As the election approaches, the focus remains on the tight race between the main political blocs and the potential implications for both domestic policy and Israel's international standing. The unresolved questions surrounding the events of October 7 continue to be a prominent issue in the political discourse.