Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he will personally oversee a new inquiry into his government’s failings ahead of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks, sparking widespread anger across Israel. Critics say that placing Netanyahu at the helm of the investigation represents a clear conflict of interest, given his central role in the government during the attacks.

Calls for an independent state commission of inquiry, led by a sitting or retired Supreme Court justice, have been ongoing since the attacks, supported by senior military figures, families of victims, and public opinion polls showing overwhelming support for impartial oversight.

Netanyahu’s Politically-Appointed Inquiry

The Prime Minister’s Office announced that the inquiry will consist of a six-member body, with Netanyahu playing a central role in its formation. Parliament Speaker Amir Ohana, a close ally of Netanyahu, is expected to influence the appointment of committee members, raising concerns about the investigation’s independence.

While the government has stated it will seek cross-party approval for all appointments, opposition parties have threatened to boycott the proceedings, allowing Ohana to appoint their representatives. The inquiry is set to convene in West Jerusalem on the same day Netanyahu is scheduled to testify in his long-running corruption trial in Tel Aviv.

Public and Military Opposition

An October 2025 poll by Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies found that three out of four Israelis support an independent state inquiry. Senior military officials, families of those killed or taken captive on October 7, and bereaved citizens have voiced deep frustration over Netanyahu’s decision to oversee the investigation himself.

Eyal Eshel, father of a fallen soldier, emphasized that families merely want accountability: “We came to look him in the eyes and request the simplest of things – a state commission of inquiry.” Former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and ex-military chief Herzi Halevi have repeatedly called for an independent inquiry, as have dozens of former captives and bereaved families.

Political and Public Outrage

The announcement has drawn criticism from opposition politicians and social media commentators. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats, wrote: “This isn’t ‘conflict of interest,’ it’s organised crime under the guise of the law. The man responsible for the greatest disaster in our history isn’t looking for answers, he’s looking for an alibi.”

Other opposition leaders, including Avigdor Liberman and Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party, have demanded a proper state commission of inquiry to hold the government accountable.

Families Demand Justice

The October Council, representing families of those killed or taken captive on October 7, condemned the government’s plan:

“You, who will be investigated by the same state commission of inquiry, will not disrupt the investigation or cover up the truth. You have declared war on us, on the memory of our loved ones, and on the future of our children.”

The families’ statement reflects widespread anger that the inquiry lacks independence, particularly given Netanyahu’s central involvement in the government at the time of the attacks.

Previous Investigations Highlight Failures

Earlier probes have revealed significant shortcomings in Israel’s security and intelligence apparatus:

• A February 2024 army probe acknowledged “complete failure,” noting the military underestimated Hamas’s capabilities.
• Former Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi admitted to “terrible” security and intelligence failures before resigning.
• In November 2024, an external panel appointed by Halevi’s successor found the military’s investigation “inadequate.”
• Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, also conceded failures in identifying threats and sharing intelligence ahead of the attacks.

Despite these findings, Netanyahu has yet to assume personal or political responsibility for the catastrophic security lapses preceding the October 7 attacks.

Widespread Concern Over Accountability

Public outrage stems from fears that the politically-appointed inquiry will fail to hold top officials accountable, leaving victims’ families and the Israeli public without closure. Analysts warn that a lack of transparency could further erode trust in government institutions already strained by ongoing conflict and allegations of corruption.