Israeli Parties Divided on Investigation Into October 7 Failures

Israeli political parties have presented a range of stances regarding the establishment of a commission to investigate the failures leading up to the October 7th attacks, which resulted in nearly 1,200 Israeli deaths. While opposition parties generally advocate for a state commission formed according to law, coalition parties exhibit more varied positions, with some refusing to comment.

The Likud party, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been evasive on the issue. Although some Likud ministers initially supported a state commission, they later retracted their statements amid efforts within Netanyahu's circle to form an "alternative commission" called "national." The party also attempted to advance a private bill for this "national" commission, but it did not succeed.

Parties like "Yashar" (led by Gadi Eisenkot) and "Be-Yahad" (led by Naftali Bennett) have pledged to establish a state commission immediately upon forming a government, adhering strictly to the 1968 State Commissions of Inquiry Law. The "Democrats" party, headed by Yair Golan, also committed to this, specifying that the commission would investigate decisions leading to October 7th and the war's conduct, with members appointed by the President of the Supreme Court.

The "Religious Zionism" party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, expressed support for a "national, independent, real, and just" commission, but explicitly rejected a "state" commission, which they described as a veiled, one-sided, and biased body. They criticized the potential appointment of members by individuals they deem untrustworthy and politically motivated.

Other coalition parties, including "Otzma Yehudit," "Shas," and "Yahadut HaTorah," declined to provide their positions, similar to the Likud. "Raam," led by Mansour Abbas, stated that an investigation commission is not currently a priority but believes a comprehensive, independent inquiry is necessary.

The "National Democratic Alliance" (NDI), led by Avigdor Lieberman, supports a state commission formed strictly according to Israeli law. The "Joint List," comprising Arab parties, backs a state commission headed by a Supreme Court judge appointed by the President of the Supreme Court, and calls for expanding its mandate to assess the policy of occupation and blockade under Netanyahu's governments as a root cause of the October 7th events.

"Amcha Israel," led by Ofer Winter, criticized the lack of commission establishment as a disgrace and proposed a secret ballot in the Knesset to appoint the commission's chair and deputy from retired judges. "Zeut," led by Moshe Feiglin, supports a neutral commission with unlimited powers to investigate all responsible parties, including the government, security agencies, and the judiciary. The "Reservists - Economic Party" (a joint list including Yoaz Hendel) supports a state commission with broad consensus on its composition, suggesting the Supreme Court appoint its members. "Kachol Lavan," led by Benny Gantz, reiterated its support for an independent state commission, emphasizing that no political or security entity should be involved in its creation.