Opposition slams Netanyahu over blocked October 7 commission

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
5 May 2025 16:14

Israeli opposition figures condemn Netanyahu’s refusal to form a "state commission" on the October 7 attack, considering it a move to avoid accountability.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a Memorial in occupied al-Quds on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 (AP)

The leaders of the Knesset’s opposition parties have strongly condemned the cabinet’s decision to forgo establishing a "state commission of inquiry" into the October 7 attack, denouncing the move as a deliberate attempt by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to evade accountability, according to Israeli media reports.

Without launching such an investigation, “the catastrophe of October 7 will happen again and again,” said opposition leader Yair Lapid. He stressed that unless the causes behind it are investigated, it will be impossible to draw lessons and prevent similar failures.

Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman echoed this view, stating, “I know what was said in the closed meetings and in the security cabinet. Everything is recorded and documented. [Netanyahu] knows exactly why he is afraid of a state commission of inquiry."

“The truth will come out, with or without him," he asserted.

Benny Gantz, a former member of Netanyahu’s now-disbanded war cabinet, criticized the timing of the decision. “The government is right, this is not the time to establish a state commission of inquiry. That time was over a year ago when I submitted the proposal to the government, and every moment that it is delayed, the security of the state is compromised,” he wrote on X.

Gantz added that the public sees through the delay tactics: “The only reason a state commission of inquiry is not being established is an attempt to escape responsibility. If you’re not going to do it, at least spare us the embarrassing excuses.”

The Democrats' chair, Yair Golan, also condemned the government’s refusal, accusing Netanyahu and his ministers of being “afraid of the truth and running away from their responsibility for the worst massacre in Israel’s history.” He concluded, “I promise: the truth will come out and they will bear full responsibility.”

Israeli cabinet greenlights expansion of 'military operations' in Gaza

This is happening as "Israel's" security cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has approved a gradual expansion of the ongoing war on Gaza, according to Israeli public broadcaster Kan, citing informed sources.

Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the Israeli military chief, confirmed that the military has begun issuing tens of thousands of call-up orders for reserve forces.

In a video statement posted on X, Netanyahu said he was convening the security cabinet to discuss “the next stage” of the war on Gaza. His comments came just hours after a missile, launched from the Yemeni Armed Forces, landed near "Israel's" main Ben Gurion Airport.

“We are increasing the pressure with the goal of returning our people [captives] and defeating Hamas,” said Zamir, addressing troops in a statement issued by the military.

"Israel" resumed its ground operations in Gaza in March, after reneging on a US-backed ceasefire that had temporarily paused the war for two months. Since then, the occupation entity has taken control of approximately one-third of Gaza’s territory.

This comes as the Palestinian Resistance continues to confront the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip and has affirmed its readiness to respond to any further escalation by the occupation.