The Israeli government has decided to postpone by 90 days the discussion of an independent commission to investigate the October 7, 2023 attacks, the Israeli news agency TPS reported, BTA reports.
The decision came after the Supreme Court in December gave the government 90 days to hold a hearing on the matter. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his ministers have insisted that a state investigation into the shortcomings that led to the “Hamas“ attacks should be held after the end of the war. But critics accuse him of deliberately delaying the investigation and seeking to limit the commission's powers.
Calls for the establishment of an independent commission are growing, with it being emphasized that such a structure would have broader powers – including the ability to call witnesses and gather evidence. Traditionally, these commissions are headed by a senior judge and can make personal recommendations regarding individuals under investigation, although the government is not obligated to follow them.
The last such commission in Israel investigated the tragic incident on Mount Meron, which killed 45 people, and in its conclusions found Netanyahu personally responsible.
The Israeli military presented its own internal investigation to Defense Minister Israel Katz. It covers only operational and command issues, without examining political decisions. As a result, the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, and the general in charge of Southern Israel resigned in January.
The Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces usually serves a three-year term, with the possibility of a further one-year extension. The last case of early resignation was in 2007, when General Dan Halutz resigned due to the Israeli army's failures in the Second Lebanon War (2006).
Major General Eyal Tzamir has been proposed to replace Halevi, who will step down on March 6.
At least 1,200 people were killed in the "Hamas" attacks on October 7, 2023, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were kidnapped. More than 30 of the remaining 76 hostages are believed to have died.