Ministers Advance Bill for ‘State-National’ Inquiry Into October 7 Failures

Israel’s Ministerial Committee for Legislation on Monday approved a bill sponsored by MK Ariel Kallner to establish a state-national commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the October 7 Hamas attack. The Ministerial Committee for Legislation serves as the government’s main gatekeeper for bills, deciding which proposals receive official coalition backing before advancing to the Knesset, and is chaired by Justice Minister Yariv Levin. The bill is expected to advance to a preliminary vote in the Knesset plenum on Wednesday.

October 7 is widely regarded in Israel as the most severe national security failure in decades. At stake is not only how the attack is investigated, but who controls the investigation and whether its findings will carry public trust. In Israel, state commissions of inquiry are traditionally appointed by the judicial branch, however this government-backed proposal would replace that model with a new framework shaped by political agreement between the coalition and opposition.

Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs defended the initiative, saying that “October 7 was an unprecedented event unlike anything Israel has experienced.” “As with the investigations following 9/11 in the United States,” Fuchs said, “this must be treated as a unique event, requiring the establishment of a special commission capable of a broad and thorough inquiry.” He added that such an investigation is “essential for democracy,” and said the commission would be established “on the basis of broad agreement.”

Under the version of the proposal advanced by Kallner and presented by coalition officials, the commission would consist of nine members. Six professionals would be selected by a supermajority of 80 Knesset members:two senior legal experts qualified for the Israeli Supreme Court, two former top security officials, and two experienced managers from large public or private systems. If no 80-member consensus is reached, the coalition and opposition would each select three members. The six professionals would then choose two representatives of bereaved families or families of hostages. The eight members would elect a chair by simple majority, with the chair becoming the ninth member. If the opposition refuses to participate, the speaker would appoint its representatives.

Levin said during the discussion that the inquiry should not be limited to political and security leaders, and must also examine the role of the legal system.

Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman said further during the discussion, that the judiciary should be investigated first. She said public trust in the courts has eroded, and claimed that years of legal involvement in security decisions had caused serious damage to Israel’s security. “In the end,” she said, “the truth will come to light.”

Outside the committee room, bereaved families protested in Jerusalem against the decision, calling for a fully independent state commission of inquiry. The bill’s supporters say the proposed framework balances accountability with broad political agreement. Critics argue it risks undermining the independence needed to restore public confidence after October 7.

The legislation now moves to the Knesset plenum, where the debate over how Israel investigates one of the darkest days in its history is set to intensify.