Israeli Parties Divided on State Inquiry Commission for October 7th

With elections approaching, Israeli political parties have revealed their stances on establishing a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7th and the subsequent war. The "Change Bloc" parties, including Yashar, Achva, Yisrael Beiteinu, and HaDemokrattim, all support forming a national inquiry commission. Yashar, led by Gadi Eisenkot, has pledged to make it a first government decision, investigating not only the October 7th massacre but also the decade preceding it and the war's management. Yisrael Beiteinu has placed Rafi Ben Shitrit, whose son fell on October 7th, second on its Knesset list, emphasizing accountability.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, representing Achva, has stated his absence from official memorial ceremonies is due to the government's refusal to establish such a commission and accept responsibility. HaDemokrattim, with Chairman Yair Golan, also backs a commission to investigate failures and guide security system rehabilitation.

Conversely, the Likud party opposes a state inquiry commission, despite some members initially supporting it. The Likud has instead promoted a political committee for examining the October 7th events, asserting that any future commission must be unbiased and represent the public.

Ultra-Orthodox parties, including Yahadut HaTorah and Shas, also oppose a state commission. Yahadut HaTorah voted against it in the Knesset, while Shas, though some members supported it, has not issued an official stance. Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri has called for a commission acceptable to the majority, without committing to a state-level format.

Parties like HaReshima HaMeshefetet and HaMeyuladut-HaKalkalit support a state commission, with the former intending to present its views on the war and occupation. Oztma Yehudit and HaTzionut HaDatit also oppose the current proposed state commission format, advocating for alternative committees that would gain public trust. Ra'am supports a state commission, with Chairman Mansour Abbas explicitly calling for one. HaMeyuladut-HaKalkalit, led by Yoaz Hendel, has also made establishing such a commission a party goal.

Amcha Israel opposes the current state commission format, proposing a special committee headed by two judges chosen by secret Knesset ballot.