Israeli Prime Minister to Lead Controversial Inquiry

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he will oversee a government inquiry into the failures preceding the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks. The decision has triggered widespread anger across Israel, with critics denouncing the move as a conflict of interest.

Calls for an independent state commission, headed by a Supreme Court judge, have persisted since the attacks. Surveys indicate that three-quarters of Israelis support a fully independent investigation, including senior military officials and families of the victims.

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Details of the Politically-Appointed Inquiry

The newly announced inquiry will comprise six members, with Netanyahu expected to lead the process. Parliament Speaker Amir Ohana, a close ally of Netanyahu, will have a key role in selecting committee members.

Opposition parties are expected to boycott the proceedings, which could allow the government to appoint their representatives, raising concerns over lack of impartiality.

The inquiry committee will meet in West Jerusalem, coinciding with Netanyahu’s scheduled testimony in his ongoing corruption trial.

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Widespread Criticism

Political leaders and families of October 7 victims have condemned the inquiry:

• Yair Golan, Democrats leader: “This isn’t a conflict of interest; it’s organized crime under the guise of law.”
• October Council, representing victims’ families: “You, who will be investigated, 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.”
• Avigdor Liberman, Yisrael Beytenu: Called for a true state inquiry, claiming Netanyahu’s plan lacks credibility.

Former defense chiefs and military leaders, including Yoav Gallant and Herzi Halevi, have repeatedly advocated for an independent inquiry.

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Background on Previous Investigations

• February 2024: Army probe admitted “complete failure” in anticipating Hamas’s October 7 incursion.
• November 2024: External panel found the military investigation “inadequate.”
• March 2025: Shin Bet admitted intelligence failures, with director Ronen Bar resigning after disputes with Netanyahu.

To date, Netanyahu has not assumed personal or political responsibility for the security lapses leading to the attacks.