Israeli Knesset Debates Political Inquiry Committee for October 7 Massacre Investigation

The Knesset held a discussion on Monday evening ahead of a first reading vote on a bill to establish a political inquiry committee to investigate the October 7 massacre and related events. The proposed committee would allow the government to conduct its own investigation into the disaster and its precursors. This legislative move is part of a political deal between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties, as revealed by ynet. Opposition factions oppose the cooperation, claiming the bill aims to undermine a genuine state commission of inquiry.

The bill, initiated by Likud MK Ariel Kallner, proposes a six-member committee composed of Israeli citizens to examine the massacre, the war, and the circumstances leading up to them. The committee’s report would be submitted to the Knesset Speaker and the government. The updated text specifies that the State Comptroller will not appoint missing members and that the committee can operate with a minimum of three members, potentially excluding opposition representation.

The law emphasizes the goal of a thorough, independent investigation acknowledging public disputes over the appointing authority and seeks balanced appointments agreed upon broadly. Members cannot include individuals who held senior positions such as Supreme Court justices, prime ministers, ministers, senior military officers, or heads of security agencies within 18 years before October 7. At least one member must be qualified to serve as a Supreme Court justice.

Committee members will be appointed by the Knesset Speaker within 14 days of the law’s publication, after consulting coalition and opposition representatives, requiring an 80-member majority for approval. If no consensus is reached, appointments will be split between the Knesset Committee Chair and the opposition leader, with conditions for written approvals from both sides. The committee will elect its chair within a week or have co-chairs appointed by the committee chair and opposition leader.

The committee may include four special observers from bereaved families and released hostages, who will participate without voting rights. Proceedings will be public and broadcasted, though not live, with the committee authorized to impose restrictions or closed sessions to protect state security, privacy, and witness safety. The committee will have full investigative powers under the Inquiry Committees Law, with specific procedural safeguards including requiring a qualified legal member’s consent to compel testimony.

The bill is being advanced to enable "continuity of law" so it can be finalized in the next Knesset session. ynet is broadcasting the debate and vote live.