Israeli Government Asks Supreme Court Not to Intervene in Delay of October 7 Inquiry Panel Legislation

The Israeli government informed the Supreme Court on July 22, 2026, that the legislation to establish a state-level inquiry committee into the October 7 attacks has not been completed due to scheduling constraints related to the Knesset's election recess. The bill failed to pass its second and third readings before the Knesset went on break, with only the first reading approved two weeks earlier by a 59-0 vote amid opposition boycott and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's absence.

The government requested the court to refrain from intervening in the matter during this sensitive political period, arguing that judicial involvement could impact public sentiment ahead of elections. The proposed law, advanced by Likud MK Ariel Kallner under Netanyahu's directive, seeks to shift appointment authority of the inquiry committee from the judiciary to the political sphere, allowing a six-member panel evenly split between coalition and opposition members, with the government defining its mandate and investigation scope.

The October Council sharply criticized the government's delay, accusing it of deliberately stalling to avoid a thorough investigation. Bereaved families of the victims demanded that Netanyahu be held accountable for contempt of court, asserting the government’s actions undermine public trust and justice. They vowed that the truth and accountability would ultimately prevail despite the postponement.

The government also argued that current petitions to the court have been exhausted and should be dismissed or struck out, independent of the election period. The Knesset had approved an amendment to the Political Parties Financing Law on July 17 before entering the election recess, which will last until the 26th Knesset convenes. The inquiry into the October 7 events remains a contentious political issue amid the ongoing electoral campaign.