Thousands rally against Netanyahu in Tel Aviv ahead of elections
- Opposition leaders join families at demonstration calling for accountability, government change 3 days before Knesset vote
Loading…
Loading…
- Opposition leaders join families at demonstration calling for accountability, government change 3 days before Knesset vote
By Said Amori and Rania Abushamala
JERUSALEM/ISTANBUL (AA) - Thousands of Israelis demonstrated against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening, three days before Knesset elections and amid calls to replace his government and hold it accountable for its failures.
Thousands gathered at Hostages Square for a rally organized by the October Council, attended by bereaved families, former captives held in Gaza and their relatives.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid, Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman, Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot and Democrats leader Yair Golan participated amid intensifying competition with Netanyahu’s ruling coalition ahead of Tuesday’s elections.
Demonstrators rallied under the slogan, “After three years of struggle, we begin the repair,” demanding accountability for the failures surrounding the Oct. 7, 2023 attack.
“Starting next Wednesday, we will work to establish a state commission of inquiry that uncovers the truth and delivers justice for the families,” Golan said.
“This is our duty and our mission. We will rehabilitate, rebuild and repair. This is our message.”
Despite the opposition leaders’ participation, the October Council stressed that the demonstration was a civic event organized by families and was not intended to support any party or electoral list.
It said its central demand was an independent, impartial state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7 events, alongside calls for accountability, unity and reform.
The October Council is an Israeli civic group comprising families affected by the attack that campaigns for an independent state inquiry into the failures surrounding it. Netanyahu has refused demands to establish an independent commission of inquiry.
- Likud bid to block broadcast rejected
According to Channel 12, Netanyahu’s Likud party asked the Central Elections Committee on Thursday to prohibit major television channels from broadcasting the rally, arguing that it constituted “election propaganda.”
Committee chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg rejected the request, finding insufficient factual grounds to support it.
Earlier on Saturday, the October Council sent a letter to Israeli Police Commissioner Danny Levy, warning of possible attempts to disrupt the demonstration.
The group said it received information from sources it described as knowledgeable, as well as leaders of parties contesting the election, about alleged preparations by individuals linked to coalition parties to provoke disturbances during the gathering.
It urged police to strengthen preparations and prevent attempts to disrupt the rally.
Rania R.a. Abushamala