Israeli Parties Divided on State Inquiry into October 7th

With elections approaching, Israeli political parties have revealed their stances on establishing a state commission of inquiry to investigate the events of October 7th and the subsequent war. The "Change Bloc" parties, including Yashar, Tikva, Israel Beiteinu, and Democrats, generally support a state commission. Yashar, led by Gadi Eisenkot, has pledged to establish such a commission as a first government decision, to examine not only October 7th but also the decade preceding it and the war's management. Yair Lapid, number two in the Tikva party, has stated his absence from official ceremonies is due to the government's refusal to form a state commission and accept responsibility.

Conversely, the Likud party opposes a state commission, despite some members initially supporting the idea. Likud has instead promoted a political committee to examine the events, asserting that any inquiry must be unbiased and represent the public. United Torah Judaism and Shas also oppose a state commission, though Shas chairman Arie Deri has called for a broadly accepted committee not necessarily in a state format.

Otzma Yehudit and the Religious Zionism party also oppose the current proposal for a state commission, advocating for alternative committees that would gain public trust. The Joint List supports a state commission and intends to present its views on the war and occupation to it. Ra'am also backs a state commission, with chairman Mansour Abbas explicitly calling for one.

The "Reservists-Economic" party, led by Yoaz Hendel, supports a state commission as a key goal. The Democrats, with chairman Yair Golan, believe its findings should aid in security system reform. The "Am Israel" party opposes the current state commission format, proposing a special committee headed by two judges chosen by secret ballot in the Knesset.