From the Liveblog of
Monday, January 19, 2026
Rothman, citing ‘need for order,’ limits entry to panel discussion on political Oct. 7 inquiry
Ariela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee Chair MK Simcha Rothman is limiting the number of people admitted into the committee room discussing the government’s proposed politically appointed commission of inquiry into October 7, due to the large amount of protestors demanding an independent state investigation.
“Given the room’s capacity and the need to maintain order, a certain number of people can be admitted,” says Rothman.
Demonstrators are gathered outside of the committee room, including relatives of those murdered and abducted during the attacks, to protest the advancement of a highly controversial bill to set up a politically appointed probe instead of an independent state commission of inquiry, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opposed for more than two years.
“It is absolutely clear to me that among us are bereaved families and people whose worlds have been shattered, and that among them are those who hold opposing views,” Rothman says.
“Investigating the October 7 massacre is important to the bereaved families, but also to the entire people of Israel, to soldiers, to civilians, and to anyone who wants to prevent the next disaster. The issue is not the exclusive property of anyone in Israel. We will allow the discussion to proceed, but I will not allow outbursts intended to disrupt the legislative process, regardless of positions or personal opinions. As committee chair, I will firmly enforce the rules of procedure and will not allow organizations that have announced that their goal is to blow up the discussion to do so,” he continues.
The committee says it has approved the participation of one representative from each organization that registered for the discussion, and that, if space permits, they will admit those who didn’t register in advance.
Opposition lawmakers are boycotting the deliberations.
The Times of Israel Community.