Lapid says Netanyahu-appointed 'state comptroller' cannot probe Oct 7
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Israeli occupation opposition leader Yair Lapid criticizes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for appointing a "state comptroller" himself to probe October 7 rather than forming an independent probe into it.
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Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, center, confers with colleagues in the Knesset, occupied al-Quds, occupied Palestine, June 14, 2023 (AP)
Opposition leader Yair Lapid called for the establishment of a "state commission" of inquiry to thoroughly investigate the Israeli regime's handling of the October 7 events, i.e., Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, citing concerns over the impartiality of "State Comptroller" Matanyahu Englman.
Lapid argues that Englman, appointed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, cannot be relied upon to conduct an unbiased investigation into the failures leading up to and following the aforementioned operation.
During a press briefing ahead of his Yesh Atid party's weekly faction meeting in the Knesset, Lapid expressed skepticism about Englman's ability to investigate the matter objectively. "An auditor appointed by Netanyahu who did not publish any report on Netanyahu's personal responsibility cannot investigate this failure," Lapid declared.
Moreover, he asserted that in his capacity, Englman is ill-equipped to delve into what Lapid describes as "the biggest failure in the state's history."
Operation Al-Aqsa Flood prompted Englman to criticize the government's lack of preparedness, telling the embattled Israeli premier that there was "no justification for the late awakening of the Israeli government."
Englman went on to assure that his office would "leave no stone unturned" in its investigation, outlining a comprehensive probe into the Israeli government's failures at various levels, from policy to military. He specifically mentioned examining individuals with "personal responsibility" for the lapses. The investigation would take up the lion's share of the agency's efforts through 2024, he added, implying that it will replace quarterly reports on other operations.
The Comptroller's office will investigate various areas like the conduct of the government's security cabinet and lawmakers on October 7, intelligence preparedness before the event, preparedness of civilian security squads in the Gaza envelope region before the war, and the lack of equipment for Israeli occupation forces, as well as Hamas funding.
However, Netanyahu and his government have staunchly opposed the formation of an independent inquiry into the government's actions before the end of aggression on Gaza.
Meanwhile, despite Englman's commitment to a thorough investigation, Lapid's call for a "state commission" of inquiry highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding the handling of October 7.
Investigations will also be conducted regarding settler relocations after the war, evacuation of injured Israelis, and the government's public diplomacy activities.
Englman and the Israeli Comptroller's Office will also investigate the process of developing the newly authorized additional budget for war costs, as well as the execution of financial support programs for Israelis impacted by the war.
Netanyahu unfit for premier
The Israeli occupation's opposition leader, Yair Lapid, said Monday. "This government does not know how to manage a war, and it is pushing us into a deep economic crisis that hurts every citizen’s pocket and has landed us in The Hague."
According to Lapid, "This government is not fit to manage the war, and [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu is not fit to run the country," urging "change now" as "there is no possibility of waiting any longer."
This is not the first time that Lapid has criticized Netanyahu's management of the internal Israeli situation and the war on Gaza, as on January 8, almost a week ago, Israeli media reported a similar incident.
According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Lapid slammed Netanyahu for not being qualified to lead the occupation entity, calling on "National Unity" MKs to leave the emergency government.
During a meeting for his Yesh Atid party, Lapid called on Benny Gantz, Gadi Eisenkot, and Gideon Sa’ar to exit the government, stating that "this government is unfit to lead the war" and that "Netanyahu is unfit to lead the country."
Meanwhile, Lapid revealed three names his party sees fit to fill the Prime Minister position, including a member of Netanyahu's Likud party, Yuli Edelstein, alongside either Gantz or Eisenkot.
