Thousands rally in Tel Aviv demanding October 7 inquiry, three days before Israel's election
Illustration: Press Pass USAThousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday, October 24, demanding a state commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack — one of the last large public events before Israelis go to the polls on October 27.
The rally at Hostages Square was led by the October Council, a body formed by families of victims and hostages taken during the assault that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli figures. The march began at Rabin Square — where a rally organized by the Democrats party was held first — and proceeded to Hostages Square, according to Israeli media reports.
Opposition figures attended, including former military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, who was warmly received by the crowd, along with Avigdor Liberman and Yair Golan. The October Council said the demonstration marked three years of its campaign to uncover the truth and secure an independent investigation into the security and intelligence failures that preceded the attack.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has resisted calls for a state commission of inquiry, arguing that an independent panel appointed by the Supreme Court could be biased against the government, and has instead proposed a political commission with members appointed by both the governing coalition and opposition lawmakers. Opposition leaders have rejected that proposal, saying an investigation should be independent of political influence. The October 27 election will be the first since the attack, which triggered Israel's war in Gaza and a broader regional conflict.
Sources: Israel.com (Oct 24, 2026, citing Ynet, N12 and The Times of Israel); Reuters video (Oct 24, 2026); News Media NG (Oct 24, 2026).
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