Thousands Rally in Tel Aviv Calling for Judicial Independence and Equal Military Service

The Movement for Quality Government held a large demonstration Saturday evening at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, calling for the protection of Israel’s judicial system, equal military service obligations, and the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the October 7 attacks.

According to organizers, more than 1,000 people attended the protest. The event was preceded by a "March of Hope" that began at the Yitzhak Rabin Memorial and concluded at Habima Square.

Former Mossad Intelligence and Security Division chief Haim Tomer addressed the crowd, warning that Israeli democracy faces significant challenges but remains worth defending.

"Our democracy is battered"

"Our democracy is battered, bruised, and struggling, but we are here because we will never give up on it," Tomer said. "We will not give up on the principles of the Declaration of Independence, on a constitution for Israel, or on an egalitarian liberal society in which all citizens share equal rights and responsibilities."

Tomer also called for an end to what he described as a "constant war" environment, arguing that Israel and the Israel Defense Forces must be allowed to reorganize and prepare for emerging threats, particularly drone warfare and the growing burden placed on reserve soldiers.

"We need a genuine and equal mobilization model that eases the impossible burden on reservists and prevents the military from reaching a breaking point," he said.

 Merav Svirsky sharply criticized 

Among the speakers was Merav Svirsky, whose brother, Itay was abducted from Kibbutz Be'eri and later murdered in Hamas captivity. Her parents were killed during the October 7 attacks.

Svirsky sharply criticized recent government decisions and reiterated calls for an independent investigation into the events leading up to the Hamas assault.

 "The Israeli public deserves answers"

"In recent weeks, investigative reports have revealed how warning signs were ignored and critical voices were dismissed," she said. "The Israeli public deserves answers, accountability, and a thorough examination of what happened."

She also appealed to opposition leaders to work together and build a broad democratic coalition, including cooperation with Arab citizens of Israel.

"The goal is greater than any political ego," Svirsky told demonstrators.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Eran Duvdevani, founder of the "Paratroopers for Democracy" movement, argued that only a state commission of inquiry can provide a comprehensive examination of the failures surrounding October 7 and its aftermath.

"A state commission is the only mechanism"

"A state commission of inquiry is the only mechanism established by law that can reach the truth and command broad public confidence," Duvdevani said. "Anyone who opposes such an investigation raises questions about what they may be trying to conceal."

The rally concluded with renewed calls for government accountability, institutional reform, and national unity amid ongoing political divisions and security challenges facing Israel.

The demonstration reflected continuing public debate over responsibility for the events of October 7, the future of Israel's democratic institutions, and the long-term direction of the country's political leadership.