Israeli parliament backs first step towards October 7 inquiry

The Israeli parliament on Monday approved in its first reading a bill to establish a commission of inquiry into the security failings that led to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The explanatory note to the bill stated its purpose is to bring about a full, thorough, and independent investigation of the massacre and the subsequent wars.

The bill passed with 59 votes in favor, none against or abstaining, in the 120-seat Knesset. Opposition lawmakers, who favor a different type of commission not appointed by politicians, boycotted the vote. Under the proposed law, 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.

The bill also stipulates that former hostages or bereaved family members would serve as observers, and the commission's deliberations would be broadcast to the public. Likud lawmaker Ariel Kallner, who initiated the legislation, defended the bipartisan composition, saying only a commission appointed in an egalitarian manner can uncover the truth and maintain public trust.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid explained the boycott, calling the bill a sham whose sole purpose is to whitewash and prevent investigation of the greatest disaster to befall the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The opposition has long called for an independent state commission of inquiry, whose members would be appointed by the Supreme Court president. Polls indicate a majority of Israelis support such a body.

The bill will now return to the Knesset Constitution Committee for further discussion before final readings, expected next week before the Knesset dissolves. On Thursday, thousands protested in Tel Aviv and elsewhere, marking 1,000 days since the attack and calling for a state commission. Police said eight people were arrested for causing disturbances.