What it is about
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed reservations about the assertion that a National Committee of Inquiry is the “specific and only” tool suitable for investigating the October 7th Hamas massacre. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara revealed this divergence in a letter on Thursday.
Why it matters
Netanyahu’s disagreement highlights ongoing tensions regarding the appropriate mechanism for investigating significant national security events without compromising Israel’s ability to manage an ongoing war. This stance underlines concerns about potential inefficiencies and distractions from continued national defense efforts.
What they are saying
Netanyahu sought independent legal representation for a petition in the High Court of Justice that aims to compel him to form a National Committee of Inquiry. Baharav-Miara, whose role includes statutory legal representation in such cases, agreed to the request due to her inability to support Netanyahu’s position.
Power and Independence of a National Inquiry
National Committees of Inquiry in Israel are powerful, independent entities, working free from political influence. They possess the ability to subpoena witnesses and issue personal recommendations. Other probes, either government or parliament-appointed, do not operate with similar independence.
AG’s Perspective
Baharav-Miara described the October 7 massacre as a “unique and extreme accumulation of circumstances,” thus warranting a National Committee of Inquiry due to its unprecedented nature and significant impact on national public interest and strategic significance.
Prime Minister’s Counterarguments
Netanyahu has countered that an investigation into October 7 would divert focus from the ongoing conflict. He has proposed a government inquiry with international observers as an alternative, which Baharav-Miara critiqued for lacking the necessary legal force to counter international scrutiny.
Continued Disagreements
This disagreement underscores a broader debate over how Israel should handle internal investigations versus cooperation with international judicial bodies like the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. Proponents of a National Committee argue that it strengthens Israel’s defense internationally.
This story was first published on jpost.com.