The rally, organised by the October Council, a group founded by families of captives taken to Gaza three years ago, was the high point of a three-year campaign for accountability. "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," the October Council wrote on X ahead of the event.
The protest drew leading opposition figures, including Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party and Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats. Chants of "Who's coming? The next prime minister" greeted Eisenkot at the rally, according to The Times of Israel.
The election is expected to be extremely close. Polls show Netanyahu's right-wing bloc running neck and neck with Eisenkot's, with neither projected to win a clear majority in the Knesset. The outcome could determine whether Israel launches another round of military strikes on Iran, with Eisenkot considered less inclined to resume such action. The two blocs remain united, however, in their opposition to an independent Palestinian state.
A core point of contention is the demand for an independent commission of inquiry into the October 7 attacks. The government has refused this, offering instead a "political" commission whose members would largely be appointed by the coalition. Opposition leaders have said they would boycott a commission appointed by politicians.
The October Council said it alerted police to possible provocations by pro-government agitators ahead of the rally, warning of attempts to disrupt the demonstration.