Majority Oppose Weakening Israel's Supreme Court and Support State Inquiry into October 7 Events

A pre-election survey by Walla News reveals that 49% of Israeli voters oppose reducing the authority of the Supreme Court, while 33% support such limitations and 18% remain neutral. This issue is highly contentious amid ongoing legislative efforts by the coalition to pass a law splitting the roles of the Attorney General, which critics warn could undermine judicial independence and constitutional order. Former Supreme Court President Dorit Beinisch and Reichman University law professor Yaniv Rosenzweig have strongly criticized the proposed law, calling it a threat to the separation of powers and a move to eliminate legal oversight.

Regarding the October 7 attacks, the survey shows overwhelming public support for establishing a state commission of inquiry, with 73% in favor, 16% opposed, and 11% neutral. This follows calls from bereaved families, such as Eyal Eshel, whose daughter was killed in the conflict, demanding accountability and investigation. Despite this, the coalition is pushing a bill by Likud MK Ariel Kallner to form a political inquiry committee, with half its members appointed by the coalition and half by the opposition. The opposition has announced it will boycott the committee's constitutional discussions, raising concerns the inquiry will lack bipartisan legitimacy.

These findings highlight deep divisions in Israeli society over judicial authority and government accountability for security failures. The Supreme Court's role remains a flashpoint as the government advances controversial reforms, while public demand grows for thorough investigation of the October 7 events. The political and legal battles over these issues are expected to intensify in the coming weeks as the Knesset debates the proposed laws and inquiry formation.