Likud demanded TV channels: Do not broadcast the rally in Hostages Square live

Likud demanded that Israeli TV channels not broadcast the 'October Council' rally in Hostages Square live, or delay the speeches by ten minutes, citing concerns of election propaganda. The rally organizers, with opposition leaders participating, responded that this is another attempt to silence the bereaved families.

Likud sent letters to the legal advisors of Israel's major broadcasters—Kan, Keshet 12, Reshet 13, and Channel 14—as well as to the Second Authority and the Attorney General, demanding they not broadcast the 'October Council' rally in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square live, or alternatively delay the speeches by at least ten minutes. Likud argues that the participation of senior opposition figures, alongside the organizers' explicit link between the demand for a state commission of inquiry and the October 27 election vote, raises concerns that the broadcast could become a platform for one-sided election propaganda. The rally organizers, 'October Council', responded sharply: 'Netanyahu is again trying to silence the bereaved families.' They listed names of those killed and kidnapped and asked, 'Who is afraid to hear the bereaved families, the hostages survivors, and the October 7 massacre survivors?' Their response claimed the Prime Minister has avoided meeting with the families for three years and opposes establishing a state commission of inquiry. The event comes a day after a similar directive from Likud not to broadcast Netanyahu's speech at Bahad 1 live.