Government advances political inquiry into October 7 as families demand state commission

ISRAEL - In Brief 22 Dec 2025 by Sani Ziv

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Israel’s Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved on Monday a proposed law by MK Ariel Kallner (Likud), backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to establish a political, non-state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the October 7 attack and the ensuing war. Under the proposal, the commission would consist of six members. An initial effort would be made to reach broad agreement on all six members, requiring the support of 80 Knesset members. If no agreement is reached within 14 days, the coalition and the opposition would each appoint three members. Should the opposition refuse to cooperate, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana would be authorized to appoint the opposition’s representatives on its behalf. The government’s decision triggered strong opposition from grieving families, survivors of the October 7 massacre, and civil society groups. The “October Council”, representing victims and families, has announced a “week of rage” in protest. They argued that the proposed commission is designed to avoid a genuine and independent investigation. Background In Israel, it is customary to establish a state commission of inquiry into events of national significance. Such commissions are formed by government decision, with their members appointed by the President of the Supreme Court. They are independent and vested with far-reaching powers, including the authority to compel the submission of documents and require witnesses to testify. Precedents include the Agranat Commission, established following the Yom Kippur War. The October 7 attack, and the severe failures revealed in the conduct of both the security establishment and the political leadership, are wide...