Israeli Knesset Approves First Reading of National Inquiry into October 7 Massacre

The Israeli Knesset approved in a first reading on Monday a bill to establish a national state commission of inquiry into the events of the October 7, 2023 massacre, the subsequent war of resistance, and the circumstances leading to these incidents. The bill, submitted by Knesset member Ariel Kallner, passed with 59 votes in favor and no opposition or abstentions. It will now return to the Constitution Committee for further preparation before second and third readings.

According to the proposal, the commission will investigate the massacre that occurred on the holiday of Shemini Atzeret, the war of resistance that followed, and the background factors that led to these events. Upon completing its work, the commission will submit its findings to the Knesset Speaker and the government.

The bill also introduces a unique mechanism for appointing commission members, prioritizing broad consensus within the Knesset. If consensus is not reached, an alternative appointment process outlined in the law will be used. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was absent from the Knesset during the vote.