Thousands gathered at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square to demand a state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The protest, organized by the October Council—families who lost loved ones—brought together leaders from across Israel’s Zionist opposition.
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, Benny Gantz, Gadi Eisenkot, and Yair Golan all attended. Speakers called for a judiciary-led commission instead of the government’s self-appointed probe, which critics say is designed to shield those responsible.
Bereaved father and former minister Izhar Shay urged opposition leaders to pledge not to join any future government that refuses to establish a real state commission. Protesters carried banners calling for unity and accountability, and chanted for political change.
The demonstration occurred alongside the weekly gathering at Hostages Square, where families continued to demand the return of three slain hostages still held in Gaza. The atmosphere was charged, with right-wing youths attempting to disrupt the event before police pushed them back.
Speakers emphasized that only a fully independent commission can uncover the truth about the security failures that led to the massacre. Many families vowed not to cooperate with the government-run inquiry, calling it a “whitewashing.”
