Netanyahu Government Faces Protest Over Policies and October 7 Investigation

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Israel's Habima Square, voicing strong criticism against the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. The demonstrators chanted slogans and demanded the immediate formation of an official committee to investigate the events of October 7.

The protest comes as the Israeli Knesset recently held a preliminary vote on a bill to establish a "political" investigation committee. This bill passed its first reading on July 6, but still requires two more readings to become law. Notably, the Israeli opposition boycotted the Knesset vote, signaling deep divisions over the proposed investigation.

Reports from Israeli media, including Channel 12, suggest that the composition of the committee to probe the October 7 events is contentious. The plan indicates that half of the committee members would be appointed by political officials, with Prime Minister Netanyahu potentially selecting half of those appointees. The opposition's boycott further complicates the selection process for the remaining members.

Israeli officials have described the October 7 Operation, also known as the Al-Aqsa Flood, as the "greatest intelligence and military failure" in the nation's history. Hamas's armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, launched a comprehensive attack on Israel on October 7, citing ongoing violations against Palestinians and holy sites, particularly Al-Aqsa Mosque, as justification.