Coalition shoots down opposition bill calling for state commission of inquiry into Oct. 7

Sam Sokol is the Times of Israel's political correspondent. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"

Lawmakers and ministers listen to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he addresses the first plenum session of the Knesset’s winter 2024 legislative session, October 28, 2024. (Sam Sokol/Times of Israel)
Lawmakers and ministers listen to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he addresses the first plenum session of the Knesset’s winter 2024 legislative session, October 28, 2024. (Sam Sokol/Times of Israel)

The coalition defeats an opposition bill calling for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7 by a vote of 45-53.

Arguing against the bill, sponsored by National Unity MK Orit Farkash Hacohen, Science Minister Gila Gamliel (Likud) declared that the launching of such a probe must wait until the end of the war “and not during the fighting” — though a ceasefire is currently in effect — and promotes the idea of an alternate commission composed of representatives chosen by both the coalition and opposition.

“To evade responsibility, the coalition today harmed Israel’s security, the bereaved families and the families of the hostages,” National Unity says in a statement about the vote.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid party tweets a list of MKs who oppose the measure, stating that they “once again spat in the faces of the bereaved families and the families of the hostages.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly ruled out any inquiry until after the war. Additionally, in a press conference last month, he said that “a state commission is not acceptable to a considerable portion of the people. A government inquiry is not acceptable to another portion. What is needed is to find a different mechanism that will get to the truth and that is acceptable to most portions of the people.”

Critics allege Netanyahu seeks to establish a panel with fewer powers than a state commission, fearing it will implicate him in the disaster.

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