Opposition boycotts vote as Knesset passes bill for national commission of inquiry into October 7 massacre in first reading

The Knesset approved the bill in a first reading Monday night, with 59 votes in favor and none against. The opposition boycotted the vote, arguing the commission would be controlled by the coalition. The legislation now moves to committee preparation for second and third readings.

The Knesset approved the bill for a national commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023 massacre in a first reading Monday night, with the opposition boycotting the vote. The vote was 59-0, with no coalition members opposed.

The Zioneer first reported the bill's passage at 21:27 (Mon), describing it as a "national commission of inquiry." A bulletin at 21:31 (Mon) updated the report, noting the 59-0 vote and the opposition's boycott, and highlighted that under the legislation the commission can operate with coalition members alone, granting the prime minister near-complete control over its composition, according to Channel 12 and Knesset reports. The opposition disputes the "national commission" label, arguing it lacks the independence of a state commission of inquiry.

The bill was advanced by the Knesset Constitution Committee on June 9, as The Zioneer reported. The committee's approval allowed the commission to operate without opposition members. The coalition has been racing to pass legislation ahead of the election recess, as reported on June 30.

The legislation requires two more readings and a committee stage before becoming law. The opposition has vowed to continue fighting the bill, arguing it gives the coalition exclusive control over the investigation.

4 developments

1. 15 minutes ago · 22:26 · 6 JulLatest

   October Council calls the bill a 'second tearing' of the national wound.

2. 21:33 · 6 Jul

   Bill passed 59-0 after opposition boycott.

3. 21:31 · 6 Jul

   Opposition boycotted vote; bill allows coalition-only commission composition.

• Developing21:06 · 13 JunBill for political commission of inquiry into October 7 set for first reading this week
• Developing23:43 · 7 JunConstitution Committee to Vote on Political Inquiry Law for October 7 Amid Renewed Fighting
• Strong58 minutes ago · 21:43 · 6 JulOctober Council founder: Political commission a 'whitewash committee' after Knesset passes bill
• Developing54 minutes ago · 21:48 · 6 JulLiberman calls political commission of inquiry 'whitewash committee' after first-reading passage; Eisenkot also reacts

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