Gadi Eizenkot Proposes State Inquiry Excluding IDF Actions During October 7 Massacre

Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the Yisrael party and former IDF Chief of Staff, is set to present a new proposal for a state commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023 massacre. According to a document obtained by C14, the proposed commission’s mandate focuses on the decade preceding the massacre and the political and military leadership’s management of the war. However, it notably excludes an explicit directive to investigate the conduct of battles in the affected communities during the massacre hours or the presence of IDF forces at those times.

The proposal, based on the Mozes-Abril framework, outlines specific areas for investigation including security perception, force buildup, intelligence apparatus, political and military preparedness, war management, hostage issues, and public relations. Despite these detailed topics, the document does not explicitly require examination of the IDF’s combat management during the massacre itself or the sequence of battles in the communities.

Additionally, the issue of the 2005 Gaza disengagement is not designated as a separate subject for inquiry. The document states the commission will consider "background matters" such as the end of Israeli presence in Gaza and changes in Palestinian governance, but the disengagement itself is not included in the commission’s formal scope.

This proposal has sparked discussion about the extent to which the commission will hold the IDF accountable for its actions during the critical hours of the attack. Eizenkot’s presentation is expected later on Wednesday, marking a significant step in shaping the official investigation into one of Israel’s deadliest security failures.