Thousands rally in Tel Aviv against Netanyahu ahead of Israeli elections

Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv today for a large anti-government protest, three days before legislative elections widely seen as a referendum on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The demonstration is a major political event ahead of the vote. The rally was organized by the "October Council," a group founded by families of victims and hostages from October 7, demanding accountability for the security failures that enabled Hamas's 2023 attack. They are calling for a state inquiry commission, a request the government has so far rejected. Recent polls show Netanyahu's right-wing bloc tied with centrist rival Gadi Eisenkot's alliance, with neither projected to win a majority of seats. Organizers have expressed concern over possible provocations from government supporters and have alerted authorities.