Eisenkot rallies in Tel Aviv to challenge Netanyahu in tight pre-election contest

Israelis face a general election on Tuesday, the first since the war in Gaza began in 2023. On Saturday, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to press for accountability regarding the security lapses that allowed the Hamas attack to occur.

The demonstration centered on the public plaza known as Hostages Square. The event was organized by the October Council, a group formed by families of captives taken to Gaza three years ago. The council is pushing for a state commission of inquiry to examine government failures. On social media, the group described the rally as the culminating event of its three-year struggle for truth.

Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party and Benjamin Netanyahu's primary center-right rival, joined the crowd. He was met with chants calling him the next prime minister. Yair Golan, head of the Democrats party, also attended. Dan Adin, an Israeli lawyer, posted on X that massive crowds moved from Rabin Square to Hostages Square, noting the high energy of the march.

Current polls indicate a tight race between Netanyahu's right-wing bloc and Eisenkot's coalition. Neither group is projected to win a majority in the Knesset. The outcome may influence Israel's military stance toward Iran, as Eisenkot is viewed as less likely to resume strikes on Tehran if he becomes prime minister. However, major parties remain aligned on most other foreign policy issues, including their opposition to an independent Palestinian state.

The October Council warned authorities of potential disruptions from pro-government supporters. The group sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner regarding alerts that coalition-linked entities might try to interfere. Meanwhile, other anti-government demonstrations took place across the country, according to the newspaper Haaretz.

Netanyahu's government has rejected calls for an independent inquiry. It proposed a political commission where half the members would be appointed by the ruling coalition and the rest by opposition members. Opposition leaders have stated they will boycott a commission structured in that manner.