Thousands Rally in Tel Aviv Demanding Independent Inquiry into October 7 Failures

Protesters Call for Independent Probe

Thousands of Israelis converged on Habima Square in Tel Aviv on the evening of Saturday, November 22, 2025, to demand the establishment of an independent state commission of inquiry into the events surrounding the October 7, 2023, attack. The demonstration, organized by the October Council—a group comprising families who lost loved ones in the Hamas-led assault—underscored a growing public demand for accountability and transparency regarding the security and governmental failures that led to the attack.

The protest took place less than a week after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government voted to launch its own internal inquiry, a move that has drawn significant criticism for its perceived lack of independence. Critics argue that a government-appointed committee cannot objectively investigate the very administration that was in power during the failures.

Opposition Leaders Join the Call

Several prominent opposition figures joined the rally, lending their support to the demand for a state commission. Among those present were former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, and Members of Knesset Benny Gantz, Gadi Eisenkot, and Yair Golan. Former minister Izhar Shay, whose son was killed on October 7, also addressed the crowd, calling on potential investigators and witnesses to boycott the government's proposed probe, which he termed a 'whitewashing' committee.

Protesters chanted slogans such as 'It's time to topple the tyrant,' referring to Prime Minister Netanyahu, and displayed banners reading 'Wanted: a strong, united opposition' and 'a state commission of inquiry now.' The sentiment reflects a broad public consensus, with opinion polls consistently showing a strong majority of Israelis supporting an independent state commission of inquiry.

Context of the Demand

The call for a state commission of inquiry comes amidst widespread public dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the October 7 attack and its aftermath. A state commission, traditionally led by a retired judge and appointed by the Supreme Court, possesses the authority to compel testimony and conduct a thorough, impartial investigation. In contrast, the government's proposed inquiry, whose members will be appointed by ministers, is seen by many as an attempt to evade responsibility.

The High Court of Justice recently issued a preliminary order instructing the government to justify its reasons for not establishing a state commission of inquiry, further highlighting the legal and public pressure on the administration. The protest at Habima Square occurred concurrently with a weekly demonstration at the nearby Hostages Square, where thousands gathered to demand the return of the remaining captives held in Gaza.

The October Council's Stance

The October Council, which organized the demonstration, has been a vocal advocate for a comprehensive and independent investigation. The group's banners at the rally featured the slogan 'truth and security,' emphasizing their belief that a full understanding of the failures is crucial for preventing future tragedies. The council, representing hundreds of families affected by the massacre, argues that the Israeli people deserve answers regarding 'how the terrible failure happened and how to prevent it from happening again.'