Israeli Leaders Mark Oct. 7 Anniversary With Calls for Action and Unity

On the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks, Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir called for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority. Speaking at a rally near Tulkarem, Ben Gvir stated, "The State of Israel was caught off guard. We must not repeat the same mistake." He demanded the confiscation of the Palestinian Authority's weapons, its disarmament, and the arrest of its officials.

Several opposition leaders visited communities attacked on October 7 and the Nova festival site. Gadi Eisenkot, former Chief of Staff and head of the Yashar party, paid respects at the shelter where Aner Shapira was killed, accompanied by Shapira's mother, Shira, who is a candidate on his party's list. Eisenkot told KAN that he does not regret joining the emergency government after the attacks, explaining his desire to contribute to national defense and unity under a leadership he described as "distraught." He asserted that security had been stabilized but warned that current government policies threaten Israel's future.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited the Nova festival site and the Alumim kibbutz shelters, promising families he would do everything to build a country "worthy of their sacrifice." Avigdor Liberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu, visited Kfar Aza and the Nova memorial, praising the solidarity and courage of residents. At the Kerem Shalom crossing, Liberman accused the government of allowing Hamas to profit from aid entering Gaza, claiming the organization confiscates goods and taxes merchants, and decried a return to pre-October 7 containment policies.

Yair Golan, head of the Democratic Party, criticized the government's abandonment of residents and its failures, calling for political change in the upcoming October 27 elections.