Amcha Yisrael unveils framework for independent October 7 commission of inquiry
According to the party's plan, the new Knesset would elect the commission's chairperson and deputy by secret ballot from a list of retired judges nominated by lawmakers themselves
The Amcha Yisrael party, led by Ofer Winter, has unveiled a framework for a special commission of inquiry into the events of October 7. The proposal calls for an independent, professional body removed from political control. The party says it rests on three principles: truth, trust and results.
The initiative is led by Netali Shem-Tov, who was evacuated from her home in Metula on October 7, and Sigal Kraunik, whose husband Arik, the Kibbutz Be'eri security coordinator, was killed that day. Attorney Eran Ben-Ari is also leading the effort. The three presented the plan on behalf of the party.
In a statement, the party said: "The fact that no commission of inquiry has been established to date is a disgrace shared by both the coalition and the opposition." It argued that neither camp has an interest in forming such a body, since both share blame for the failure.
Under the proposal, the new Knesset, rather than the government or the courts, would choose the commission's leadership. The process would mirror presidential elections. Knesset members would propose retired judges, and the 120 lawmakers would then vote.
The body would hold full investigative powers and would not face political limits on the direction of its work. It would have to begin within a set timeframe and present preliminary findings to the public within six months. The investigative team would include bereaved families, hostage representatives and others directly affected, who would play an active role.
The mandate would extend beyond the sequence of events on October 7. It would also examine decisions, processes and lessons accumulated over the years, including events and operations surrounding Operation Protective Edge, to the extent they help explain the failure.
The party said a commission that lacks credibility across all segments of the public cannot succeed. "We will spearhead a commission of inquiry that is free from vested interests," the statement read. It added that the effort is owed to the fallen, their families, the wounded, and the country's children, to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.