Three Years Later: Protesters Demand Justice Before the Vote

The tension in Tel Aviv reached a fever pitch on Saturday, as thousands of Israelis descended on the city’s central plaza. This gathering marked the third anniversary of the attacks that sparked the war in Gaza, occurring just three days before the nation’s first general election since the conflict began. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency, as demonstrators sought to hold the government accountable for the security lapses that allowed the Hamas assault to take place.

The rally was organized by the October Council, a coalition formed by the families of captives taken to Gaza three years ago. Their primary goal is to uncover the truth and demand a formal state commission of inquiry. The group emphasized that this event serves as the culmination of a three-year struggle for accountability. They made clear that the upcoming election is a critical moment to push for an independent investigation into the failures that preceded the war.

The protest was not limited to a single location, with antigovernment demonstrations taking place across Israel. Leading opposition figures joined the crowds in Tel Aviv, lending political weight to the civilian demands. Gadi Eisenkot, the head of the Yashar party and Netanyahu’s main center-right rival, was a prominent presence. He was greeted by enthusiastic chants from supporters who chanted, "Who's coming? The next prime minister," signaling a strong desire for a change in leadership.

Yair Golan, who leads the Democrats party, also attended the gathering. The scale of the turnout was highlighted by lawyer Dan Adin, who noted on social media that masses of people were flowing from Rabin Square to Hostages Square. He described the scene with excitement, stating, "What energy. This time it's ours completely!" This visible show of force underscored the deep dissatisfaction among a significant portion of the electorate with the current administration.

Contextually, the upcoming vote on Tuesday is expected to be extremely tight. Polls indicate that Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc, which has held power since late 2022, is running neck and neck with Eisenkot’s camp. Currently, neither side is projected to secure a majority of seats in the Knesset. This deadlock suggests that the outcome of the election could hinge on minor shifts in voter sentiment, making the public mood displayed at the rally all the more significant.

The election may also determine the future of Israel’s military relationship with Iran. Eisenkot is viewed as less inclined to resume strikes against Tehran if he becomes the next prime minister. However, on most other foreign policy issues, the major parties remain largely unified. A notable point of consensus is the continued opposition among leading politicians to the creation of an independent Palestinian state, suggesting that domestic accountability and the leadership question are the primary dividing lines.

In the lead-up to the protest, the October Council warned law enforcement about potential disruptions. They sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner, citing alerts about attempts by entities linked to the coalition to provoke or disrupt the event. This preemptive communication highlighted the high stakes involved and the anticipation of friction between the pro-government and opposition factions in the run-up to the election.

The core of the dispute remains the method of investigating the October 7 attacks. The October Council insists on an independent commission to hold responsible officials to account. In contrast, Netanyahu’s coalition has refused this demand, proposing instead a political commission where half the members would be appointed by the government and the other half by opposition legislators. Opposition leaders have vowed to boycott any commission appointed in this manner, viewing it as a tool for political cover rather than a genuine search for truth.