Days before Israel’s parliamentary election, a Tel Aviv rally called for a statutory state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, as final polls projected no bloc would win a majority.
The October Council, which represents families affected by the attacks, organized the Oct. 24 gathering at Hostages Square. Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot attended.
The National reported an organizer estimate of 100,000 attendees. The Associated Press and The Times of Israel described the crowd as thousands. Ofri Bibas, sister-in-law of Shiri Bibas, told The National that voters should consider the attack and the government’s accountability. The Times of Israel reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects a statutory inquiry.
Polls published Oct. 23 by Channel 12, Channel 13 and Kan each projected 50 seats for Netanyahu’s coalition. They put the change bloc at 56 seats in Channel 12’s survey, 54 in Channel 13’s and 52 in Kan’s. A majority requires 61 seats, leaving both blocs short in all three projections.
The Associated Press reported that if no one can form a coalition, Netanyahu’s government would serve in a caretaker capacity until a successor is formed or another election is held. Israel’s Central Elections Committee lists Tuesday, Oct. 27, as Election Day.
