Thousands protest Netanyahu in Tel Aviv days before election

Thousands of people rallied in Tel Aviv against Netanyahu days before Israel's general election. The protest was organized by the October Council, a group founded by families of victims and hostages taken by Palestinian militants. According to multiple sources, the demonstration represented a final pre-election show of opposition to the prime minister and his government.

The October Council called for accountability for failures in preventing the Hamas attack. Opposition figures joined the protesters in demanding an independent inquiry into the events of October 7. The election, taking place on Tuesday, marks Israel's first parliamentary ballot since the October 7, 2023 terror attacks.

The campaign unfolded against a backdrop of political uncertainty. According to the latest polls published before a gag period entered into force on Friday night, neither major political bloc appeared positioned to obtain a majority of seats in Israel's parliament, suggesting a tight race.

Benjamin Netanyahu's rival Gadi Eisenkot held his final campaign rally on Sunday, as candidates made their closing pitches to voters. The election was widely characterized as a referendum on Netanyahu's leadership and his ability to hold power.

On Sunday, Netanyahu denied reports of a clash with Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over a proposed military operation. According to Channel 12, Zamir had requested detailed discussion and signed legal authorization from political leaders before carrying out instructions, though the broadcaster did not disclose the nature of the operation.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert called for Netanyahu's removal, criticizing his policies and advocating for a renewed two-state solution through negotiations with the Palestinians. Olmert, speaking on the 'Arab Views' podcast, emphasized that the October 7 attack highlighted failures in Netanyahu's approach to security and peace.