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🇮🇱 Israel /Elections & Politics

Opposition vows inquiry into Oct. 7 failures as bereaved families clash at hearing

From Jerusalem Post · (10h ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Opposition leaders vowed to establish a state commission of inquiry into government failures surrounding the October 7 attacks immediately after the upcoming elections.
  • Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized the government's stance, stating that "anyone who says 'later' about investigating the October 7 massacre means 'never.'"
  • High Court justices questioned the timing of an investigation, while opposition figures like Yair Lapid accused the government of fearing the truth and warned that without a probe, another massacre cannot be prevented.

The Jerusalem Post covers a contentious hearing at the High Court regarding a state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the October 7th attacks. Opposition leaders, including former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, have pledged to launch such a commission immediately after the upcoming elections, sharply criticizing the current government's reluctance to investigate.

Anyone who says ‘later’ about investigating the October 7 massacre means ‘never.’

— Naftali BennettFormer Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticizes the government's delay in initiating an inquiry into the October 7 attacks.

Bennett, whose party is trailing in polls, directly challenged the government representative's assertion that it was not yet time for an investigation, stating unequivocally that "later" means "never." Lapid echoed this sentiment, accusing the government of being "afraid of the truth" and emphasizing that a commission is essential for uncovering lessons and preventing future disasters. The article highlights the deep political divisions surrounding accountability for the events of October 7th.

The October 7 government is afraid of the truth. A state commission of inquiry is the only way to uncover the truth, learn the lessons, and prevent the next disaster.

— Yair LapidOpposition leader Yair Lapid accuses the government of avoiding accountability and stresses the importance of an inquiry.

Further complicating the issue, former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot warned that Hamas is rebuilding in Gaza and that without a commission of inquiry, another massacre cannot be prevented. He also lamented the clashes between bereaved families outside the court, occurring so soon after Remembrance Day. MK Benny Gantz of the Blue and White Party also expressed heartbreak over these divisions and called for elections to form a unity government.

He also claimed that Netanyahu is "once again receiving clear warnings from the military leadership and ignoring them.

— Gadi EisenkotFormer IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot criticizes the Prime Minister's alleged disregard for military warnings.

From an Israeli perspective, the demand for a thorough and immediate investigation into the October 7th failures is paramount. The article captures the frustration and urgency felt by many who believe that accountability and learning from the past are crucial for national security and public trust. The political maneuvering and differing opinions on the timing of such an inquiry reflect the profound impact of the attacks on Israeli society and its leadership.

Eisenkot also warned that without a state commission of inquiry, another massacre cannot be prevented, and that Israeli citizens deserve to know the truth about the attacks.

— Gadi EisenkotFormer IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot emphasizes the necessity of an inquiry for future security.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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