Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has called for a state commission of inquiry against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the Hamas-led October 7 attack and the intelligence breakdown that led to it.
Despite calls from opposition lawmakers, Netanyahu has insisted that an investigation cannot take place while the war in Gaza continues.
He has also been non-committal on establishing a state commission, suggesting other formats may be appropriate.
However, Gallant, speaking at a ceremony for graduating IDF officers, said the probe should not be delayed and should be comprehensive.
“It must examine all of us: the decision-makers and professionals, the government, the army and security services, this government — and the governments over the last decade that led to the events of October 7,” Gallant said.
Gallant stressed the need for the commission to examine key figures. “It needs to examine me, the defence minister, it must examine the prime minister, the chief of the staff and the head of the Shin Bet, the army and all the national bodies subordinate to the government,” he continued, receiving the most cheers after mentioning the premier.
He added that the commission should investigate the intelligence and operational failures of October 7, the management of the war since, and how Hamas built up its forces over the past decade.
Last month, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara urged Netanyahu to stop blocking the launch of a state commission, explaining it was essential to fend off actions at international tribunals.
State commissions are usually led by a retired Supreme Court Justice, but Netanyahu opposes the appointment of Esther Hayut due to her criticism of his judicial overhaul.
Baharav-Miara warned against this strategy, stating that “any other existing mechanism [to probe October 7 failures] would not fit the needs and the unique risks that the country is currently facing.”
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