Israeli government delays decision on state inquiry into October 7
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Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu continues to dodge a probe into "Israel's" military and intelligence failures on October 7, 2023, further fueling internal tensions within the occupation regime.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses lawmakers in the Knesset, "Israel's" parliament, in occupied al-Quds, on Monday, November 18, 2024. (AP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several ministers have rallied against the attorney general who is calling to establish a probe into "Israel's" failures on October 7 during a cabinet meeting, thus delaying the decision on forming a state commission of inquiry, Israeli media reported.
Netanyahu accused Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar of being a "bureaucrat", insisting that the war on Gaza was only "temporarily stopped" by the current ceasefire, while ministers argued that the High Court has no authority in setting up a probe panel.
The meeting was convened solely in response to a December 2024 ruling by the High Court of Justice, which mandated that the government hold a hearing on the establishment of a state commission of inquiry within 60 days.
Netanyahu has consistently ruled out launching a state inquiry before the war’s conclusion. Critics argue he aims to establish a panel with limited authority and handpicked members, fearing that a full-fledged commission could hold him accountable for the disaster.
Reports indicated that ministers gradually left the meeting, leaving only six by the end. Approximately 90 minutes in, Netanyahu reportedly stepped out, saying he would return shortly, but never did.
Before his departure, Netanyahu was said to have clashed with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who informed him that "Israel" had already assured the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague that it would form an inquiry commission.
"Who told The Hague that we will set up a state commission of inquiry?" Netanyahu reportedly asked.
"You, sir," Baharav-Miara replied.
The attorney general had previously stated that committing to an Israeli-led investigation could help prevent the ICC from issuing arrest warrants on war crimes charges against Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant. While the exact assurances given to the court remain unclear, the ICC ultimately proceeded with warrants for both Netanyahu and Gallant.
During the cabinet meeting, Baharav-Miara reportedly told ministers that a state commission was the "appropriate legal tool" for investigating the matter. Such a commission is the most powerful investigative body and the only one with the authority to subpoena witnesses. She emphasized that if the government chose not to establish one, it would need to provide a clear justification.
Ahead of the meeting, Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar requested to attend to share his perspective but was denied. Instead, he submitted a written opinion for ministers to review, though it was not distributed. According to the Kan public broadcaster, Bar had expressed support for establishing a state commission of inquiry in discussions before the meeting.
Baharav-Miara questioned why Bar’s opinion had not been shared, prompting Netanyahu to reportedly launch a sharp rebuke of the Shin Bet chief.
"This is absurd! What authority does he have to express his opinion without being asked, and without it even being relevant to him at all?" Netanyahu was quoted as saying, with one report stating he banged on the table in anger.
"He is a bureaucrat. What has he got to do with the decision to set up an inquiry commission?" Netanyahu added, according to Haaretz.
"No bureaucrat — whoever he may be — will define for us when [the war] will end."
Opposition leader MK Yair Lapid condemned the government’s handling of the issue, writing on X, "The government is doing everything it can to avoid taking responsibility."
The cabinet meeting, he added, was "a disgraceful display for the families of victims and those who were abducted."
Netanyahu runs away from probe
Senior officials in the Israeli Military said that presenting the findings of investigations into what happened on October 7 is being significantly delayed, reported by Israel Hayom, emphasizing that much of the investigation has been completed and is ready to be given to the Israeli chief of staff.
Netanyahu tried to acquit himself from responsibility for what happened on October 7 by undermining Israeli military chiefs by collecting reports that would support his claim that other officials were responsible for the intelligence failures that took place.
The Israeli government coalition shot down a proposal to establish a formal inquiry committee during a Knesset session, where opposition leader Benny Gantz accused the government of attempting "two dangerous actions: evading responsibility and eroding trust in the rule of law systems."
The Israeli PM has been promoting the idea of creating a private committee of inquiry which would include a judge, representatives from the military, and family members of those who were affected by October 7.
A survey by Kan channel found that 77% of the Israeli public supported forming an official inquiry committee into the events of October 7, and 70% favored holding general elections after the war concludes.
