Israeli Government Asks Supreme Court to Refrain from Intervening in October 7 Massacre Inquiry

The Israeli government informed the Supreme Court on Wednesday that it has not completed legislation to establish a national state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre before the Knesset's dissolution. The government stated that the legislative process will resume and conclude in the 26th Knesset after the upcoming elections on October 27. The government urged the court to exercise restraint and avoid interference, arguing that the matter falls within the core authority of the executive and legislative branches.

According to the submission, the bill was approved in its first reading on July 6 and proceeded to second and third readings. However, on July 17, the Knesset decided to advance elections, entering an election recess from July 18 until the new Knesset convenes post-election. Due to this schedule, the legislation could not be finalized. The government intends to renew efforts to pass the bill promptly once the new Knesset is in session.

The government also contended that the timing of establishing the commission is a clear political dispute between branches of government, and thus the court should not intervene at this stage. The submission noted that the court has previously recognized the importance of judicial restraint in such matters. Furthermore, the government indicated that the current petitions to the court have largely fulfilled their purpose, as the government has advanced the legislation and committed to completing it.

The petitions were filed after the government delayed forming a state commission of inquiry under existing law and instead promoted a "state-national commission" model. Bereaved families, public organizations, and legal entities argue that only a state commission led by a judge can guarantee full independence in investigating the failures that led to the October 7 massacre.