Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet postponed a decision on forming a state commission to investigate the failures surrounding Hamas’s October 7 attack, following heated clashes with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.
During the four-hour meeting, Netanyahu dismissed Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar as a “bureaucrat” and argued that the war is not over, despite the current ceasefire. Ministers also contended that the High Court has no authority to mandate an inquiry. The cabinet agreed to revisit the issue in 90 days.
Opposition leaders criticized the delay, accusing Netanyahu of avoiding accountability. The meeting was convened due to a High Court order requiring a hearing on the matter. Netanyahu has opposed an independent inquiry, reportedly fearing it could implicate him.
Tensions escalated when Baharav-Miara informed Netanyahu that Israel had assured the International Criminal Court (ICC) it would establish an inquiry—potentially to prevent war crimes charges. Netanyahu denied making such a promise, but the ICC later issued warrants for him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Despite some ministers pushing for an immediate inquiry, Netanyahu and his allies remain resistant, prolonging the debate over accountability for the attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead.
