Tel Aviv Protests Intensify Demands for State Inquiry into October 7 Failures

Protesters Rally for Independent October 7 Inquiry

Thousands of Israelis convened in Tel Aviv on November 15, 2025, to renew their calls for a state commission of inquiry into the governmental and security failures that preceded and occurred during the October 7, 2023, attack. The demonstration, primarily organized by the October Council, a group representing families of victims, took place at Habima Square and saw protesters march from Begin Gate outside the Defense Ministry headquarters.

The central demand of the protesters is the establishment of a comprehensive and independent state commission of inquiry, a mechanism considered the most powerful under Israeli law for investigating national disasters and decisions. Speakers at the rally, including Rafi Ben Shitrit, whose son was killed on October 7, emphasized the need for a 'deep, thorough investigation of the procedures, of the debacle.'

Government's Alternative Probe Draws Criticism

The protests come amidst strong public dissatisfaction with the government's approach to investigating the October 7 events. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently opposed a state commission of inquiry, citing concerns about the judiciary. Instead, the government recently decided to establish its own 'independent' committee to probe the failures.

This governmental decision has been met with sharp criticism from the October Council and opposition figures, who have labeled it a 'cover-up commission' and a 'whitewash.' Critics argue that the government's proposed committee, whose mandate and composition will be determined by cabinet ministers, is designed to hinder true accountability and protect those in power. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid stated that the government is 'doing everything it can to escape the truth and evade responsibility.'

The Context of October 7, 2023

The calls for an inquiry stem from the devastating events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups launched a coordinated surprise attack from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel. The assault resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, predominantly Israeli civilians, and the abduction of over 240 individuals who were taken hostage into Gaza.

The attack, which occurred during the Jewish holidays of Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret, marked the deadliest day for Israel since its independence and initiated the ongoing Gaza war. It is widely regarded as a significant intelligence and security failure for Israel, leading to widespread public demand for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that allowed such an event to occur.