Thousands protest in Tel Aviv ahead of Israeli election
France 24 reported that on 23 October thousands gathered in Tel Aviv for a large anti-government protest organized by the October Council, with opposition leaders and citizens demanding an independent inquiry into the October 7 security failures. Jewish Currents said the upcoming vote could alter the Knesset’s composition but coalition building remains uncertain amid deep divisions over Palestinian policy. The BBC noted that the 27 October parliamentary election pits Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against former war cabinet minister Yoav Eisenkot, with security, conscription and judicial reforms dominating the campaign. Jewish Insider cited final polls showing that neither Netanyahu’s bloc nor the opposition led by former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot is expected to reach the 61 seats needed for a majority.
POLITICO. eu observed that the campaign has largely avoided a peace debate with the Palestinians, focusing instead on domestic issues and leadership rivalries. CNN reported that Gadi Eisenkot has emerged as the opposition’s leading candidate, with polls projecting his party to win 20-23 Knesset seats.
