We deserve better: Three years after October 7, Israel still waits for an investigation - editorial

Nearly three years after the October 7 massacre, Israelis continue to await a comprehensive and independent investigation into what is considered the country's worst security failure. The outgoing government recently informed the High Court of Justice that it will be unable to finalize legislation for its proposed political commission to investigate the events surrounding Hamas's attack before the October 27 elections.

In response to petitions challenging the delay, the government argued that it is inappropriate for the court to intervene in the matter. This explanation has been met with strong opposition, with many Israelis finding the government's justifications unacceptable. Debates have persisted regarding the appropriate mechanism for an inquiry, with the coalition consistently opposing a state commission in favor of its own political commission.

The government has cited two primary reasons for opposing a state commission: the impracticality of investigating while Israel remains at war, and concerns about the legitimacy of Chief Justice Isaac Amit among a significant portion of the public. However, these objections do not explain the failure to advance its own proposed political probe, which was designed to bypass judicial appointments.

According to the government's filing with the High Court, legislative finalization was hindered by "scheduling constraints." This justification has been described as "insulting" by those who have followed the persistent pleas from bereaved families demanding answers, accountability, and transparency. Families who lost loved ones or had them held captive have been waiting for the state to confront its failures, making the cited legislative scheduling an inadequate response to their profound suffering and demand for justice.