Protesters gather in Tel Aviv ahead of Tuesday vote

Israelis hold a general election on Tuesday, marking the first vote since the war in Gaza began in 2023. Thousands of residents gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to press their demands on the government ahead of the polls.

The demonstration took place at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. The October Council, a group established by the families of captives taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks, organized the event. The group is pushing for an independent state commission to investigate the security failures that allowed the Hamas attack to occur.

The October Council stated in a post on X that the rally serves as a culminating event for three years of struggle. The group aims to uncover the truth and demand accountability from officials. They specifically called for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry to oversee the investigation.

Other antigovernment demonstrations occurred in different parts of the country, according to the Haaretz newspaper. Gadi Eisenkot, a leading opposition figure and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main center-right rival, attended the Tel Aviv rally. Yair Golan, the leader of the Democrats party, was also present.

Eisenkot was greeted by chants asking who was coming to be the next prime minister, according to The Times of Israel. Lawyer Dan Adin, who described the crowd as massive, posted on social media that the energy of the march from Rabin Square to Hostages Square belonged to the opposition.

Current polling indicates a tight race for Tuesday's vote. Netanyahu's right-wing bloc, which has held power since late 2022, is running neck and neck with Eisenkot's coalition. Neither side is currently projected to win a majority of seats in the Knesset. The outcome may influence whether Israel launches another round of strikes on Iran, as Eisenkot is viewed as less inclined to resume military action against Tehran.

The October Council warned law enforcement about possible provocations from pro-government agitators before the protest. The group sent an urgent letter to the Police Commissioner regarding attempts by entities linked to the coalition to disrupt the rally. The coalition government has refused to set up an independent inquiry, proposing instead a political commission with members appointed by both sides.

Opposition leaders have stated they would boycott a commission appointed by politicians. The government's proposal would see half the members selected by the ruling coalition and the remainder by opposition legislators. Netanyahu's bloc remains united with other leading parties on most foreign policy issues, including opposition to an independent Palestinian state.