Tens of thousands rally in Tel Aviv against Netanyahu before election

Tens of thousands of protesters rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding an independent state commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023 security failures, three days before Israel's pivotal election. The crowd repeatedly chanted "shame" at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Protesters and opposition leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Lapid, and Avigdor Liberman, called for a change of government, arguing Netanyahu's refusal to investigate the Hamas attack threatens Israel's democracy. Many attendees expressed personal grief, citing lost family members and a lack of accountability from officials. Netanyahu has rejected an independent inquiry, facing corruption charges and criticism over his judicial overhaul plans. Opposition leaders have pledged to establish a commission if elected, with protesters warning that a returned government could further divide the country.