Israeli Attorney General Recommends Next Government Decide on 7 October Inquiry

Israel's Attorney General, in a submission to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, reaffirmed that a state commission of inquiry is the appropriate legal mechanism to investigate the events of 7 October and the subsequent war. She emphasized that such a commission's independence and professional detachment from politics enable a thorough and effective examination of the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the attack. The commission would have the authority to uncover the truth, draw lessons, and if necessary, assign personal responsibility for any failures identified.

However, the Attorney General highlighted a significant challenge: nearly two years and ten months have passed since the war began without a government decision on the inquiry's format or start date. This delay risks undermining the investigation's effectiveness and could cause evidentiary damage by complicating evidence collection and fact-finding.

Given Israel's current election period and the legal constraints on a caretaker government, she proposed deferring the decision to the next government. She suggested that the incoming administration should address and decide on the inquiry issue. The Attorney General also recommended that, if the court agrees, the state be allowed to submit an updated position shortly after the new government is formed.