Israeli parliament approves bill for inquiry into October 7 Hamas attack

The Israeli parliament approved a bill on July 7, 2026, to establish a commission of inquiry into the security failings that led to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The bill, passed with 59 votes in favor, comes amid opposition boycotts, highlighting concerns over the commission's independence.

Details of the Proposed Inquiry Commission

The proposed law aims to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the events surrounding the October 7 massacre and the subsequent conflicts. According to the bill's explanatory note, the commission will be tasked with uncovering the truth regarding the security lapses that enabled the attack.

The commission will consist of six members, appointed by a two-thirds majority of Knesset members. If an agreement is not reached, three members will be selected by the ruling coalition and three by opposition lawmakers. This structure aims to ensure a balanced representation, although opposition figures express skepticism about its impartiality.

Opposition's Concerns and Boycott

Opposition lawmakers have voiced their concerns about the commission's potential lack of independence, arguing that a body appointed by politicians may lead to a biased investigation. They advocate for a state commission of inquiry, a mechanism historically used in Israel to investigate significant national failures.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid articulated the reasons for the boycott, stating, "The opposition will not be part of a sham whose sole purpose is to whitewash and prevent the investigation of the greatest disaster to befall the Jewish people since the Holocaust." This sentiment reflects the broader public demand for a transparent and independent inquiry into the events of October 7.

Public Reaction and Next Steps

The bill will now return to the Knesset Constitution Committee for further discussions, with final readings anticipated next week. Public sentiment appears to support the establishment of an independent inquiry, as opinion polls indicate that a majority of Israelis favor a state commission to conduct the investigation.

On the anniversary of the attack, thousands protested across Israel, demanding a thorough investigation into the events that transpired. The protests resulted in several arrests, underscoring the ongoing tension surrounding the inquiry process.