The Israeli leadership has refused to initiate an inquiry into the October 7 events, despite mounting pressure from opposition leaders, captives' families, and international observers. A cabinet meeting on Sunday, convened in response to a Supreme Court mandate, ended without action, fueling accusations that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is obstructing efforts to investigate his government's failures.

Speaking in parliament on Monday, opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Netanyahu and his ministers of deliberately avoiding accountability for the intelligence and military failures that led to the attack. "The government did everything yesterday to bury this commission," Lapid said.

Lapid further claimed that Netanyahu's long-standing policies played a role in strengthening Hamas, suggesting that "Israel's" government had knowingly propped up the group to undermine Palestinian unity and justify its occupation policies. 

Government excuses delay, Blames judiciary

Netanyahu's administration argues that an inquiry should wait until the war on Gaza ends, a stance that has been widely criticized as an attempt to shield those in power from accountability. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a key figure in "Israel's" settler movement, defended the delay, claiming, "In the middle of a war, it is not the right time to investigate."

Smotrich also dismissed the judiciary's role in overseeing any inquiry, stating, "I am in favor of investigating" but "do not trust" the Supreme Court. His remarks reflect the ongoing assault on "Israel's" legal institutions, which Netanyahu's administration has repeatedly sought to weaken.

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Avoiding accountability

Despite "Israel's" history of launching investigations into military and intelligence failures—including after the October 1973 War and the 1995 assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin—Netanyahu's administration has rejected efforts to scrutinize the events of October 7.

A bill proposing an inquiry was already rejected by Israeli lawmakers on January 22, signaling that the leadership is intent on preventing a transparent assessment of its role in the events of October 7. Many see this as part of a broader strategy to deflect blame and continue military aggression on Gaza under the pretext of internal security.

Read more: New Israeli probe reveals major failures in Iron Dome defense on Oct 7

"Israel's" refusal to investigate its failures has sparked outrage among the families of captives, human rights organizations, and legal experts.

Critics argue that Netanyahu is prioritizing his own political survival over transparency, particularly as he faces corruption charges and growing dissatisfaction over his handling of the war.

Internationally, Netanyahu’s actions are further isolating "Israel", as the regime continues its indiscriminate assault on Gaza while avoiding accountability for its own failures. Hamas officials have warned that if "Israel" does not adhere to the ceasefire agreement, it will "pay a heavy price."

Read more: Hamas says 'Israel' plotting to derail Gaza ceasefire deal - Exclusive

While the Israeli regime blocks internal accountability, the war on Gaza continues to devastate Palestinian civilians. According to the Palestinian health ministry, at least 48,208 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war—figures largely comprised of women, children, and the elderly. Meanwhile, millions remain displaced, enduring a deepening humanitarian catastrophe exacerbated by "Israel's" blockade and deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure.