The Israeli government is set to discuss the possibility of a state commission of inquiry into the handling of the October 7, 2023, massacre, following a directive from the High Court of Israel. This meeting, scheduled for Sunday, comes after significant public pressure and demands from the October Council, a group representing hundreds of families affected by the Hamas attacks. The Council has insisted that any outcome other than a commitment to an independent probe would represent a “war on the future of the State of Israel.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his opposition to the current proposal for an inquiry, suggesting an alternative method during a recent discussion in the Knesset. His preference is for a committee appointed by the government rather than an inquiry led by independent members selected by the Supreme Court. This stance highlights an ongoing tension between the Israeli government and the judiciary, with critics arguing that a government-appointed committee could dilute the investigation’s integrity.
The October Council has issued a stern warning to Netanyahu and his ministers, stating that any attempts to circumvent the law with a government-controlled committee would be “a direct affront to the bereaved families,” as well as to “the soldiers, the citizens of Israel, and to the foundations of the state.” They further emphasized that the prime minister’s proposal for an alternative investigation is not a genuine solution but rather an effort to evade accountability.
In a statement, the October Council declared, “If you try to evade a genuine investigation, the bereaved families and the entire people of Israel will pursue you publicly and confront you in every arena until a full, independent, and lawful state commission of inquiry is established.”
Public sentiment appears to be overwhelmingly in favor of a comprehensive investigation. Polls indicate significant support for the establishment of a formal inquiry into the events of October 7, a sentiment echoed by the victims of the attacks and their families. Despite this, political leaders have persistently blocked such efforts, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the aftermath of the tragedy.
As the Sunday meeting approaches, the outcome remains uncertain, but the pressure from the October Council and the broader public will likely play a crucial role in shaping the discussion and any resulting decisions.
