Thousands Rally in Tel Aviv to Demand State Inquiry into October 7 Failures
Thousands gathered at Tel Aviv's Hostages Square on Saturday for a major rally demanding a state inquiry into October 7, ahead of upcoming elections.
Thousands of Israelis gathered Saturday evening at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv for a major rally demanding the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 failures. Organized by the October Council, which unites bereaved families, survivors, and former hostages, the event titled "For Them" comes just three days before nationwide elections.
Prominent political figures attended the rally, including Yashar! party leader Gadi Eisenkot and Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Lieberman. The gathering featured emotional testimonies from family members of victims and returned hostages, including Elchanan Danino, father of Ori Danino who was murdered in Hamas captivity, and Vicki Cohen, mother of rescued hostage Nimrod Cohen.
Earlier in the day, the October Council sent an urgent letter to Israel Police Inspector General Danny Levi, warning of potential provocations. The families stated they received information from reliable sources regarding alleged attempts by elements linked to coalition parties to disrupt the rally, plant unauthorized signs, and subvert the message of the event. They called on law enforcement to ensure heightened security and prevent any attempts to sabotage the gathering.
