Thousands of demonstrators gathered in central Tel Aviv in the run-up to Israel's national election, voicing anger at the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and demanding an independent investigation into the events of October 7.
Opposition leaders and a range of civil society groups joined the protest, which organisers said was intended to press for a formal, impartial inquiry into how state institutions handled the developments surrounding October 7. The rally underscored deep public concern over accountability and oversight as the country heads to the polls.
The demonstration added to mounting political tensions surrounding the election campaign, with critics accusing the government of failures that they say deserve full, independent scrutiny. Supporters of the administration have defended its actions, arguing that security and operational decisions were made under extremely difficult circumstances.
Analysts say large street protests in the days before a vote can shape public debate and influence undecided voters by keeping questions of responsibility and leadership in the spotlight. The Tel Aviv rally is part of a wider pattern of public mobilisation that has accompanied political campaigning in recent weeks.