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Israel’s Supreme Court began hearing petitions on Thursday aimed at forcing the government to launch a formal state commission of inquiry into the security failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, attacks.
While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration has consistently resisted such a move, citing the ongoing multi-front war, a broad segment of the Israeli public and several prominent NGOs argue that a high-level, independent investigation is essential to establish accountability for the nation’s deadliest security breach.
The legal battle centres on who has the authority to appoint the commission’s members.
Under current law, the government initiates the commission, but the Supreme Court president selects its participants to ensure impartiality.
In contrast, Netanyahu’s Likud party has proposed a “special” commission where politicians would influence appointments.
Opposition leaders have already vowed to boycott this alternative, claiming it would lack the independence necessary to uncover the truth.
Arguments within the courtroom were heated, reflecting the deep polarisation currently gripping the country.
The government’s legal team argued that the court has no precedent or authority to compel the executive branch to establish such an inquiry.
Meanwhile, outside the Jerusalem courthouse, clashes broke out between the relatives of victims, illustrating the high emotional and political stakes.
The court’s eventual decision will be a landmark ruling on the balance of power during a time of national crisis.
