Thousands rally in Tel Aviv against Netanyahu ahead of vote

Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv for a large anti-government demonstration ahead of the election, according to ABC News. The rally was held in Hostage Square, where protesters have been gathering for two years to demand their government do more to get their loved ones and friends home from captivity in Gaza. Last night, they came in their tens of thousands to demand an independent state commission of inquiry into how the greatest security breach in Israel's history had been able to occur in the first place.

The crowd heard calls for a commission of inquiry into the security failures that led to the October 7 attacks. Repeated cries of "shame" echoed through the crowd. Three days before an election regarded as the most pivotal in the country's history, those attending the rally were clear that there needed to be a change of government, not just to get their long-demanded inquiry but because they say Israel's democracy is under threat.

Leaders of opposition parties have pledged an inquiry. Among those leaders who attended the rally were the main rival to Mr Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot, as well as Avigdor Liberman, Yair Lapid, Yisrael Beiteinu and Yair Golan. Aviva Mimouni Bloch and Yuval Bloch say they feel let down.

Mali Zender, a head nurse at Sheba Hospital, lost her daughter Noa on October 7, and treated those hostages who did return from the tunnels of Gaza. "Not everyone has taken responsibility and we do not have answers," she said.