- Thousands held protest against Netanyahu government in Tel Aviv.
- They demanded accountability over October 7 Hamas attack.
- Upcoming Israel elections are crucial test for Netanyahu's leadership.
Israel Elections 2026: Ahead of Israel general elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing growing public anger over his government’s handling of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv on Sunday to protest against his government and demand accountability. The demonstration adds to the political pressure on Netanyahu, as the October 27 election is widely seen as a major test of Netanyahu’s leadership.
Thousands Hit Streets
The protest was organised by the October Council, a group formed by families of people killed or taken hostage during the Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023, which had also triggered the Gaza war. According to local media reports, protesters gathered at Hostages Square and Habima Square, while thousands marched from Rabin Square towards Hostages Square.
Massive turnout in Tel Aviv! Will Israel vote out Netanyahu this coming Tuesday?! https://t.co/woX8aegbVx
— JusticeIsNotFree (@Amharafirst88) October 26, 2026
They demanded an independent state commission of inquiry to investigate the security failures that allowed the October 7 attack to happen. Videos of the protests have also gone viral on social media and shows Israelis gathering in Tel Aviv. Drone footage captured large crowds holding Israeli flags and chanting slogans against Netanyahu, saying that "he must go."
Recommended For You
The protest also attracted activists, former military officials and Gadi Eisenkot, one of Netanyahu’s main political rivals. Ahead of the rally, the October Council wrote on X: "Three days before the election, we will hold the culminating event marking three years of struggle to uncover the truth, demand accountability, and establish a state commission of inquiry.”
Why Is This Election Important For Netanyahu
According to Al Jazeera, opinion polls suggest that Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc is facing a close contest with the opposition. As Israel follows a proportional representation system, political parties must work together to secure at least 61 seats in the 120-member Knesset to form a government Netanyahu can remain prime minister if his Likud party gains enough support from its current allies or other parties, including those led by far-right politicians Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Sunday renewed his endorsement of Netanyahu just two days before the election. Trump called him an “outstanding Warrior Prime Minister” and urged the voters to support him. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “To the people of Israel, to those who haven’t seen it, I am attaching the Endorsement I gave one week ago to your Prime Minister, Bibi Netanyahu…As everyone is aware, including the enemy, Bibi and I have had a great relationship in winning together.”
You May Also Like To Watch: