The October 7 Bereaved Families Council issued a sharp condemnation Monday evening after the Knesset passed a bill for a political commission of inquiry in a first reading, calling it a 'whitewash committee.' 'Every Knesset member who raised their hand today — for them it was a first reading, for the bereaved families it was nothing less than a second tearing,' the council said. It vowed that 'a state commission of inquiry will be established' and that lawmakers will be held accountable, according to journalist Dafna Liel (N12).
The October 7 Council, a bereaved families group, issued a sharp condemnation Monday evening after the Knesset passed a bill for a political commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023 massacre during a first reading. According to journalist Dafna Liel (N12), the council called the proposed body a 'whitewash committee' and warned lawmakers: 'Every Knesset member who raised their hand today — for them it was a first reading, for the bereaved families it was nothing less than a second tearing.' The council vowed that 'a state commission of inquiry will be established and you will all bear responsibility and guilt,' adding they would ensure accountability even if it is 'the last thing we do.' The statement referenced fallen soldiers, hostages, and victims of the October 7 attack.
The bill, advanced by the Knesset Constitution Committee and previously approved for a first reading on June 9, would establish a six-member political commission rather than a state commission of inquiry. The opposition has announced it will refuse to name its three members, which would effectively give the coalition control over the commission. The October 7 Council, which represents many bereaved families, has consistently called for a state commission of inquiry, arguing it offers greater independence and public trust. As The Zioneer has reported, the council has led memorial events and advocated for official investigations since shortly after the October 7 attacks.
4 developments
- DevelopingLiberman calls political commission of inquiry 'whitewash committee' after first-reading passage; Eisenkot also reacts
- StrongOctober Council to Knesset: This is our second tearing, not your first reading
- DevelopingKnesset committee approves bill for political commission of inquiry into October 7 massacre
- StrongKnesset debates bill for political commission of inquiry into October 7 as MKs spar over composition
Source and signal
- Internal intake