Thousands Protest Netanyahu in Tel Aviv Ahead of Israeli Election

Thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv on Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, three days before a general election seen as a referendum on his leadership. The rally was organized by the October Council, a group founded by families of victims and hostages from the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. The protest, which drew thousands from Rabin Square to Hostages Square, included leaders of four main opposition parties, with Gadi Eisenkot running neck and neck with Netanyahu. Organizers demanded a state commission of inquiry into the security failures that led to the Gaza war, which Netanyahu's government has refused to establish. The October Council warned police of possible "provocations" from pro-government agitators. Recent polls show neither bloc securing a parliamentary majority, while opposition leaders criticized Netanyahu's suggestion of developing an alternative digital economy to counter international isolation.