Instead, an independent panel appointed by ministers will examine the lead-up to the terror attacks, reportedly including the impact of anti-government protests on Hamas’ decision-making
November 17, 2025 11:04
The coalition has announced it will appoint a governmental inquiry into the October 7 attacks.
The committee, whose members will be appointed by ministers, will have "full investigative authority".
Though its official scope is yet to be set out, reports suggest it could be broadened beyond the political and military failures on the day to include the impact of Supreme Court decisions and the anti-government protests at the time on Hamas' decision to attack.
A ministerial commission will be established to determine the panel's membership and mandate and will report back within 45 days of its formation.
The government has informed the Supreme Court of its decision and will update justices within 60 days, per Haaretz.
However, the move shuts down the prospect of a full state commission of inquiry, which would be completely independent of the government and is backed by several hostage groups.
A state commission would be appointed by the Supreme Court and have the power to compel witnesses, including ministers, to give evidence under oath.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has long been reported to oppose such a commission, with his allies suggesting that Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit cannot be trusted to make the appointments.
Channel 12 suggested earlier this year that Amit was likely to appoint former Supreme Court President Esther Hayut, who has been outspoken in her criticism of the government’s judicial reforms, to lead the commission.
Instead, Netanyahu is said to be leaning towards a retired soldier or retired judge "both identified with the right".
Responding to the decision, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid accused the government of “doing everything it can to escape the truth and evade responsibility”.
"There is a broad public consensus on a state commission of inquiry. This is what the country needs, this is what the public demands and this is what will happen,” he said.
"[The coalition’s] refusal to investigate its failures endangers national security, constitutes an insult, and is an evasion of responsibility toward the soldiers and families who have sacrificed so much since October 7.”
Likewise, Democrats Chair Yair Golan promised to establish such an inquiry should his party play any role in government following the next elections, due by October 2026, saying: “He who is being investigated does not appoint his own investigators.”
And the move was also criticised by the October Council, which represents over 2,000 hostage and bereaved families, which labelled the proposed body a “cover-up commission”.
A spokesperson said: “After trying every cheap trick in the book… the prime minister is now trying to establish facts on the ground.
“Again, the defendants are trying to appoint their own investigators, determine what the inquiry will focus on, and absolve themselves of punishment.”
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