Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday 24 October 2026 for a large anti-government demonstration three days before Israel's general election, an election widely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The rally was organised by the October Council, founded by families of victims and hostages taken on 7 October 2023, to demand accountability for the failure to prevent the Hamas attack.

What the rally demanded

Marchers moved from Rabin Square towards Hostages Square, a focal point for past protests demanding the release of people held in Gaza. The October Council said the event marked three years of struggle to uncover the truth, demand accountability and establish a state commission of inquiry. Leaders of the four main opposition parties took part, including former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, warmly received by the crowd, AFP reported.

A close race, by the polls

The latest polls published before a pre-election gag period began on Friday night suggested neither bloc would win a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. A poll by public broadcaster KAN put Eisenkot's bloc on 52 seats and Netanyahu's on 50, with the remainder going to non-aligned parties, including Arab parties. Separately, Reuters reported that disenchanted former supporters of Netanyahu's Likud party are the prize of the campaign: Netanyahu, 77, has governed for 18 years over six terms, and some voters who once backed him now say it is time for a change.

What to watch on polling day

The election, due on Tuesday, will test whether the opposition can convert street protests and polling leads into a governing coalition, or whether Netanyahu's bloc can hold together. With neither side projected to win outright, smaller parties and coalition talks after the vote may decide the outcome. Sources: AFP; Reuters.