Am Ekh Israel Proposes New Model for October 7th Investigation

Three years after the October 7th Hamas attacks, the Am Ekh Israel party, led by Ofer Winter, has unveiled a proposal for a new investigative mechanism. The party criticizes both the coalition and opposition for the lack of an official inquiry, calling it a "shared disgrace" as both sides were "part of the failure."

The proposed "investigative mechanism" aims to remove the inquiry from political disputes and base it on "truth, trust, and results." It would be an independent body, not controlled by the government or divided along political lines, ensuring no single entity can obstruct the truth-finding process. This body would combine judicial independence and professional expertise, with representation from affected authorities and families.

Key features of the plan include the new Knesset selecting the investigation committee's chair and deputy through a secret ballot, similar to presidential elections. The 120 Knesset members would choose from a list of retired judges, with the top two vote-getters serving as chair and deputy, ensuring representation for both coalition and opposition. The investigative team itself would include bereaved families, representatives of hostages, and direct victims, who would actively participate in the committee's work.

Am Ekh Israel stated that their mechanism is designed to be acceptable and credible to all segments of the population. The mandate would extend beyond October 7th to examine preceding years' processes and decisions, including relevant aspects of Operation Protective Edge, to understand the failures. The party emphasized the need for this investigation to honor the fallen and their families, and to ensure such an event never happens again.