Israel: Thousands Rally Against Netanyahu, Demand Independent Inquiry Into October 7 Hamas Attack Failures

October 25, 2026

Tel Aviv: Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and demand an independent investigation into the security failures surrounding the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023.

The rally took place at Hostages Square on October 24, just three days before Israel’s October 27 general election. The vote is expected to be closely contested, with Netanyahu’s ruling bloc facing a challenge from opposition parties.

The demonstration was organised by the October Council, a group formed by families of people killed or taken hostage during the October 7 attacks. The group has been pressing the government to establish an independent state commission of inquiry to examine how the attack occurred and why Israeli authorities failed to prevent it.

In a statement posted on social media ahead of the rally, the council said the demonstration marked three years of efforts to uncover the truth and demand accountability.

Opposition Leaders Join Anti-Netanyahu Rally

Several prominent opposition figures joined the protesters in Tel Aviv, including Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, and Yair Golan, head of the Democrats party. Other opposition leaders, including Avigdor Liberman, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, also attended the demonstration.

Eisenkot received a warm response from the crowd, with protesters chanting slogans suggesting that he could become the country’s next prime minister.

Demonstrations against the government were also reported in other parts of Israel. The protests reflected growing demands from families of victims, survivors and other citizens for political accountability over the October 7 attacks.

The attack killed about 1,200 people in Israel and led to the abduction of around 250 others, according to figures reported at the time. It also triggered the war in Gaza.

For many families affected by the attacks, the demand for an independent investigation has remained unresolved. They want authorities to examine the intelligence and security failures that allowed Hamas-led fighters to launch the assault.

Dispute Over Independent Investigation

Netanyahu’s government has rejected calls to establish an independent state commission of inquiry. Instead, it has proposed a different commission in which members would be appointed by government and opposition lawmakers.

Opposition leaders have objected to the proposal, arguing that politicians should not control the appointment of those responsible for investigating the failures.

A state commission of inquiry would operate independently and have broad powers to examine major national failures. Families of victims and opposition groups say such a body is necessary to establish responsibility and ensure that the circumstances surrounding the attacks are fully investigated.

The October Council had also warned police about possible attempts to disrupt the demonstration by people it described as linked to pro-government groups. The council said it had contacted the police commissioner after receiving information about possible provocations.

The rally came at a crucial point in Israel’s election campaign, with voters preparing to choose a new parliament on October 27. Polls ahead of the vote indicated a tight contest between Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc and the opposition camp led by his main rivals.

The demand for an independent inquiry into the October 7 attacks has become a major issue in the campaign. Opposition parties have pledged to establish a state commission if they come to power, while Netanyahu continues to oppose the proposed independent investigation.

For the families seeking answers, the protest was another attempt to keep the issue of accountability at the centre of the national debate.