Journalist Dafna Liel (N12) reports that the law establishing a political commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre is expected to create a committee where half the members are appointed by Prime Minister Netanyahu and half by the opposition, but the commission can operate with only the prime minister's representatives present.
Journalist Dafna Liel (N12) reported Monday evening that the bill establishing a political commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre — which passed its first Knesset reading with 59 votes in favor and none against at 21:24 Jerusalem — creates a committee where half the members are appointed by Prime Minister Netanyahu and half by the opposition. Crucially, Liel said, the commission can operate with only three members present, effectively allowing it to function with only the prime minister's representatives if the opposition boycotts — as it has announced it will.
The Knesset passed the first reading at 21:24 Monday, with the opposition boycotting the vote. The Zioneer earlier reported that the Constitution Committee approved the bill for first reading on June 9 (Tue 16:27 Jerusalem) and that the bill was set for a first reading this week as of Saturday June 13 (Sat 21:06 Jerusalem). The thread shows the opposition has consistently opposed the bill and called for a state commission of inquiry instead.
As The Zioneer reported on June 7 (Sun 23:43 Jerusalem), the Constitution Committee proceeded with its vote despite renewed hostilities. Opposition leader Naftali Bennett accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of politicizing the inquiry on June 7 (Sun 21:19 Jerusalem). The bill's advancement is part of a broader legislative push, with an earlier article (July 5, 20:12 Jerusalem) noting the legal framework was presented as a political alternative to a state commission of inquiry.
What remains open is whether the opposition will ultimately participate in the commission or allow it to proceed without them. The bill still requires second and third readings before becoming law.
5 developments
- DevelopingKnesset committee approves bill for political commission of inquiry into October 7 massacre
- DevelopingBennett accuses Netanyahu of politicizing October 7 inquiry committee appointments
- DevelopingKnesset plenum debates national commission of inquiry, AG split, and election laws
- DevelopingBennett slams political probe bill, pledges state commission of inquiry in next government
Source and signal
- Internal intake