Netanyahu meets families of slain surveillance soldiers who demand state commission of inquiry
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells families of female surveillance soldiers who were killed by Hamas at the Nahal Oz base on October 7 that the entire incident will be “thoroughly investigated,” says his office.
However, the families demand a state commission of inquiry during the 3-hour meeting, something to which the prime minister refuses to commit.
Erez Price, whose daughter Noa was killed at Nahal Oz, says the families insist on a commission of inquiry.
Despite calls from several opposition lawmakers, Netanyahu has maintained that an investigation determining the culpability of the government cannot take place while the war in Gaza is ongoing. He has also been noncommittal on establishing a state commission — the investigatory body with the greatest powers — indicating that other formats may be appropriate.
Eyal Eshel, father of slain soldier Roni Eshel, says after the meeting that Netanyahu “sat and listened to us.” He added that they were given two promises — that the command center in which many of the soldiers were killed will be maintained as a memorial, and that the memorial at Kibbutz Alumim will be kept up by the state.
The families will march in protest later today from Nahal Oz to other kibbutzim that were attacked on October 7, according to Channel 13.
During the meeting in Jerusalem, the families tell the stories of their slain loved ones. According to the PMO, Netanyahu “answered their questions and said the matter will be investigated thoroughly, and lessons will be learned at all levels — including the intelligence, operational, military, and diplomatic realms.”
Netanyahu also promises to help the families commemorate their daughters.
