Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the creation of a non-official investigative committee on the failures of October 7 — a move widely criticized as an attempt to evade responsibility for Israel’s most significant security collapse in decades.

According to Israeli media, Netanyahu made the decision during Sunday’s cabinet meeting, authorizing an informal body to examine the breakdown of Israel’s military and intelligence institutions during the Operation Al-Aqsa Flood launched by the Palestinian resistance on October 7, 2023.

The committee will function outside the legal framework required for a state commission. Although it may request documents, summon individuals, and conduct interviews, it will lack any binding authority, legal force, or independence.

Netanyahu has also assigned a ministerial team to define the committee’s mandate and timeframe. It is expected to present recommendations within 45 days, after which the informal probe will be finalized.

Critics say the step is designed to shield Netanyahu and senior officials from accountability for the failures that allowed Palestinian fighters to break through Israel’s military systems, capture military sites, and expose deep vulnerabilities within Israel's security establishment.

Israeli opposition leaders strongly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of trying to avoid accountability over the failures surrounding the events of October 7.

Yair Lapid said Netanyahu was “running away from truth and responsibility,” stressing that the public expects a formal state inquiry rather than internal reviews.

Yair Golan, head of the Democrats Alliance, argued that “a government cannot investigate itself,” warning that any committee created by Netanyahu would lack credibility.

Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot added that the government “fears a real and independent investigation,” insisting that only an official state commission can properly examine the systemic shortcomings exposed on October 7.

Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman accused the government of attempting to “cover up the reality of October 7,” emphasizing that “no one will escape accountability.”

The criticism comes after the Knesset voted down a proposal to establish a formal state commission, further intensifying political tensions and reinforcing accusations that Netanyahu is seeking to prevent external oversight.

Civilian Panel Already Blamed Netanyahu for Negligence

Before Netanyahu’s announcement, an independent civilian panel led by retired judge Varda Alsheikh released a scathing report accusing the prime minister, senior political leadership, and security agencies of systemic failures and “blind arrogance” leading up to October 7.

The panel’s findings reinforced the widespread view in Israeli society that Netanyahu bears primary responsibility for the collapse of the army and intelligence services, which enabled the Palestinian resistance to penetrate Israeli defenses with unprecedented ease.

Growing Rift With Security Establishment

The controversy also comes amid growing friction between Netanyahu and Israeli security officials. Reports have surfaced of disputes with the Shin Bet leadership, as well as allegations that a senior aide attempted to tamper with phone records related to October 7.

Netanyahu insists that Israel must focus on “achieving victory,” a phrase critics say is being used to delay accountability and silence calls for a credible investigation.

Public Pressure Mounts as Calls for Accountability Grow

The prime minister’s decision has fueled public anger, especially among families of those affected by the events of October 7 who demand an independent investigation free from political interference.

For many Palestinians and international observers, Netanyahu’s move is seen as another example of Israeli leaders avoiding responsibility while continuing military aggression against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

As Israel’s political establishment grapples with internal disputes, the Palestinian resistance’s Al-Aqsa Flood operation continues to reshape Israeli politics, exposing deep institutional failures and intensifying calls for Netanyahu’s resignation. (ILKHA)