Knesset Rejects Proposal to Create Committee to Investigate Hamas Attack on Israel

The Knesset has rejected a proposal to establish a committee that would investigate the circumstances surrounding the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, by a vote of 53 in favor and 51 against, reports The Times of Israel.

The publication reminds that despite calls from Israel's Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and several opposition politicians, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that such an investigation cannot proceed simultaneously with military operations in the Gaza Strip. On July 17, he reiterated this position while addressing the parliament.

Hours before the vote, former member of Israel's military cabinet Benny Gantz accused Netanyahu of indecision regarding the campaign in Gaza. “Everything will become clear when a state inquiry committee hears the recordings and testimonies that will prompt questions about why you delayed entering Rafah and Khan Yunis (...) What is the price we have paid and are still paying for this?” he asked.

Netanyahu accused the politician of spreading misinformation and promised that the public would eventually know who truly led the country to victory.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid called on Netanyahu to either agree to the terms of the hostage deal while speaking before the U.S. Congress, scheduled for July 24, or refrain from traveling to Washington. Lapid emphasized that there are even people in Netanyahu's close circle who share this viewpoint.