Israel Parliament Pushes for Independent Inquiry Into October 7 Security Lapses
JERUSALEM — The Israeli parliament approved a bill in its first reading on Monday to establish a commission of inquiry into the security failures that led to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
The bill passed its first reading in the 120‑seat Knesset with 59 votes in favor and none against. Opposition lawmakers boycotted the vote, arguing they want a different kind of commission appointed by the Supreme Court president, not politicians.
Under the proposed legislation, the commission’s six members would be appointed by a two‑thirds majority of Knesset members. If no agreement is reached, three members would be appointed by the ruling coalition and three by opposition lawmakers. Former hostages or bereaved family members would serve as observers.
Likud party lawmaker Ariel Kallner, who initiated the legislation, defended the body’s bipartisan composition. “Only a commission appointed in an egalitarian manner will allow us both to uncover the truth and maintain the public’s trust,” he said.
However, opposition leader Yair Lapid explained the boycott: “The opposition will not be part of a sham whose sole purpose is to whitewash and prevent the investigation of the greatest disaster to befall the Jewish people since the Holocaust.”
The bill will now return to the Knesset Constitution Committee for further discussion ahead of final readings expected next week before the Knesset dissolves. The debate comes as thousands took to the streets across Israel on Thursday to mark 1,000 days since the attack, calling for a state commission of inquiry. Police said eight people were arrested during the demonstrations.
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