Overview
- During a special opposition-initiated debate, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Knesset that most Israelis do not support a state commission and said he favors a separate committee that would represent all parts of the nation.
- Relatives of October 7 victims protested in the chamber as the October Council accused the prime minister of crossing a red line over efforts to steer the inquiry.
- Reports said Netanyahu previously met Likud MK Ariel Kellner about advancing legislation for an alternative commission, though sources cited in that report said the initiative has not progressed.
- The debate came days before the government must answer a Supreme Court petition urging a broad national commission, with the court noting there is no real dispute over the need for such a body.
- An exchange on the floor highlighted a separate controversy when MK Avi Maoz cited a statement by Netanyahu’s foreign media spokeswoman that decisions on Hamas terrorists trapped in Rafah would be coordinated with the U.S., prompting Netanyahu to express surprise as he defended his leadership and touted regional diplomacy.