Israeli Knesset rejects inquiry into October 7 attacks, fuels tensions

The proposal to establish a state investigation commission into the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel and subsequent negligence was rejected in a vote in the Knesset.

The Israeli Parliament voted on a proposal to establish a state investigation commission into the October 7 attacks and subsequent negligence. The proposal, prepared by National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz, was rejected by 51 “no” votes to 43 “yes” votes. This development has increased tensions in the Israeli political arena.

Benny Gantz, who introduced the motion, heavily criticized the coalition government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gantz accused government lawmakers of “evading responsibility” and “jeopardizing the security of the state for political gain.” “Our people are not stupid, they understand exactly what you are trying to do. This will not help you,” Gantz said in his speech, arguing that the Netanyahu government was “ready to tear apart Israeli society because of its lust for power.”

The Netanyahu government has opposed the establishment of a full-fledged state commission of inquiry, proposing instead the establishment of a “people’s committee of inquiry” without binding decision-making authority. “A real, impartial committee of inquiry must be established,” said Regional Cooperation Minister David Amsalem, implying that the judiciary is not impartial and that the government plans to create an alternative body to a state commission of inquiry.

The opposition, on the other hand, argues that a commission with the authority to fully investigate the neglect is necessary. The opposition emphasized that not only political but also military and intelligence weaknesses should be examined.

Hamas’ armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, launched a massive attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel announced that 1,200 Israelis were killed and 5,132 were injured in the attack.

In Israel’s attacks on Gaza since October 7, 44,805 Palestinians, including 17,492 children and 11,979 women, have lost their lives. 106,257 people have been injured. Thousands of people are reported to be buried under the rubble. The humanitarian crisis is deepening as civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and educational institutions are targeted.

The Israeli army announced that 808 soldiers died during the same period. 380 of these losses occurred in land invasion operations. 806 Palestinians and civilians, including 167 children, lost their lives in attacks carried out by Israeli soldiers and Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

A four-day humanitarian pause in hostilities was imposed on November 24, 2023, and was later extended by three days. During this period, 81 Israeli and 240 Palestinian prisoners were mutually released. However, Israel is reported to continue to detain thousands of Palestinians.

According to The Times Of Israel, Arguing in favor of the resolution, National Unity chairman Benny Gantz

accuses members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition of “trying to cover up in order to evade responsibility” and “selling the security of the state for political needs.”

“Our people are not stupid, they understand exactly what you are trying to do. It will not help you,” he continues. “We see that you are ready to dismantle Israeli society, because of the lust for power.”