Bereaved Families Demand Criminal Probe Against Netanyahu Over 'False Document'

A group of Israeli families who lost loved ones in the October 7th Hamas attack, subsequent battles, and as hostages has filed a complaint against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding a criminal investigation. The families allege that Netanyahu submitted a "false and distorted" document to the State Comptroller in December 2025, and later published it in February 2026, in an attempt to absolve himself of responsibility for the failures preceding the attack.

The complaint, which cites journalistic investigations, testimony from former Military Secretary Avi Gill, and claims made by former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, focuses on several key areas. These include Netanyahu's policy towards Hamas, the "Jericho Wall" plan, and the transfer of Qatari funds to Gaza.

According to the families, Netanyahu's 55-page submission to the State Comptroller selectively used classified documents, omitted crucial information, and distorted facts to present a self-exonerating narrative. They accuse him of misleading the Comptroller and the public by claiming he was not responsible for the intelligence failures.

Specific allegations within the complaint contend that Netanyahu misrepresented his policy of "containment" towards Hamas, downplayed his own adoption of the assessment that Hamas was deterred, denied sufficient knowledge of Hamas's invasion plans, and falsely claimed security forces blocked his attempts to approve targeted killings in Gaza. The families also allege Netanyahu was aware of Qatari aid money being diverted to Hamas's military wing but allowed its transfer, later characterizing it as an insignificant sum.

The families are demanding that the Attorney General and the police open a criminal investigation into Netanyahu on suspicion of fraud, breach of trust, and information security offenses. They also seek an examination of how classified documents were collected, edited, and submitted, and a review of original documents and full discussion protocols to verify the accuracy of the information presented.