The Likud party has proposed a new law to establish a political investigation committee to probe the October 7 massacre, which will replace the state investigation committee as outlined in existing legislation. The proposed law stipulates that the events surrounding the massacre cannot be investigated by any other means than those set forth within this bill, limiting investigative channels exclusively to the committee's framework.
Political Appointment Process and Committee Structure
The bill outlines that the six members of the proposed committee will be appointed through a dual process: initially, an open vote will be held in the Knesset, requiring at least 80 MKs (Members of Knesset) to approve the appointments. If this majority is not reached within 14 days, the committee will be split evenly between coalition and opposition members. The committee will also have two co-chairs—one selected by the opposition and the other by the coalition.
In addition, the committee will include several observers, who will be bereaved families and families of abductees, though they will have no voting rights. The bill also grants the committee certain immunities from judicial review, such as regarding the subpoena of witnesses or the publication of committee materials. If disagreements arise within the committee, they may issue separate reports with differing conclusions.
Government Support and Expected Controversy
The bill, which is expected to face significant opposition, is being promoted with the full support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. Recently, discussions surrounding the bill have intensified, with Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly urging the quick advancement of the proposal. MK Boaz Bismuth is expected to lead the push for the law's passage in the Knesset.
The proposal comes amid months of debate over how to investigate the massive intelligence failure and the ongoing consequences of the October 7 attack. Netanyahu and his allies have consistently opposed calls for a state commission of inquiry, primarily due to concerns that the commission’s members would be appointed by Israel’s Supreme Court, currently headed by Judge Yitzhak Amit.
Calls for a State Commission of Inquiry
The idea of a state commission of inquiry has sparked intense political debate. Petitions have been submitted to the Israeli High Court, calling for such a commission, and Attorney General Gali Beharve-Miara has stated that its establishment is urgent. She has also announced that she will not represent Netanyahu in response to the petitions. MK Yoav Galant, a member of Netanyahu's coalition, also claimed that his demand for a state commission was one of the reasons he was dismissed from his position as Defense Minister.
Opponents of the state commission argue that it would be biased against the government. In contrast, the bill currently under consideration claims that its politically-appointed structure would ensure greater public trust. The bill asserts that a committee formed by politicians will guarantee a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the massacre, which will be seen as fair by the Israeli public.
International Comparisons and Justification
In defending the proposal, the bill’s supporters point to historical precedents, including the establishment of special investigative committees in the United States. The most notable example is the commission investigating the 9/11 attacks, which was established by Congress and widely regarded as credible. According to the bill’s explanation, such external commissions, which are appointed by political bodies rather than courts, increase public trust in the findings and conclusions.
The bill further explains that, due to the sensitive political context surrounding the October 7 massacre, the circumstances do not allow for the traditional investigatory bodies such as judicial committees. Therefore, the law seeks to create a framework that ensures the investigation will have the public's full confidence.
Opposition to the Political Committee
The proposal has faced significant pushback from victims’ families and opposition politicians. The "October Council," an organization formed by bereaved families and survivors of the massacre, issued a strong statement condemning the bill, saying they will not accept a politically appointed committee. "Only a state commission of inquiry will uncover the truth and prevent future disasters," the group declared.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid has also spoken out against the bill, stating on social media, "This will not happen. We will only support a state investigation committee."
Next Steps
The bill, if passed, would establish a committee tasked with investigating the causes and responses to the October 7 massacre, and the subsequent war. The committee would begin its work either within 30 days of the government's announcement that the war is over or within a year of the bill’s enactment, whichever comes first.
Despite the ongoing opposition, the Likud party and its allies in the government continue to push for the passage of the law, arguing that it will provide an unbiased and comprehensive investigation into one of the most traumatic events in Israel’s recent history.
The political investigation committee is set to become a major point of contention in Israel’s political landscape, as the debate continues over how best to understand and respond to the events of October 7.
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