TransparencyOversight & ethics enforcement

Israel's cabinet rejected a state commission of inquiry into October 7 and moved to legislate a 'special' commission with different appointment rules

Confidence: Corroborated · 3 sourcesIsrael · Oct 12, 2026

Subject of this story

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel

Government of Israel

Also named

Oversight

Supreme Court of Israel

Advocate

Gali Baharav-Miara, Attorney General of Israel

Yair Lapid, Leader of the Opposition, Israel

What happened

On May 5, 2025, Israel's cabinet reportedly decided not to establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023 attack and to advance legislation for a "special" commission whose members would be appointed differently from a state commission, whose members are chosen by the Supreme Court president, according to Times of Israel citing Hebrew media. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara had recommended a state commission as best insulated from the political echelon. On November 10, 2025 Prime Minister Netanyahu told the Knesset he opposes a state commission because, he said, much of the public would reject it, and wants a commission with "broad public support"; opposition leaders Lapid, Gantz and Liberman accused him of avoiding responsibility. The High Court said in October 2025 there was "no real argument" against the need for a state commission. As of reporting in October 2026 no state commission has been established.

Sources (3)

The Times of IsraelCabinet rejects state probe of Oct. 7; said set to legislate 'special' commission instead.

The Times of IsraelNetanyahu bucks calls for state inquiry into Oct. 7, claims public won't trust it.

The Jerusalem PostIsrael's coalition blocks state probe into October 7 attack.

Response

Benjamin Netanyahu

Statement given

Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.

Government of Israel

Statement given

Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.

What happened next (0)

No outcome recorded yet.

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