What it is about
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that she opposes his position of delaying the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the factors leading up to Hamas’s devastating October 7 attack until the end of the current war.
Why it matters
This opposition highlights a significant internal legal conflict within Israeli leadership regarding how to address and investigate culpability and failures related to the unprecedented and severe impact of Hamas’s terror attack. The Attorney General’s stance emphasizes the importance of independent scrutiny to ensure accountability and enhance national security strategy.
Details
Baharav-Miara stated her office won’t represent the government in petitions to the High Court of Justice seeking to mandate such a commission. However, she authorized the cabinet to hire independent counsel to present its position.
In her letter to Netanyahu, Baharav-Miara underscored the unparalleled nature of the events and stressed the importance of an independent, professional investigation, free from external influence. She identified a state commission of inquiry as the optimal legal mechanism.
Backdrop
Baharav-Miara suggested that an independent commission would protect Israel from international legal proceedings, describing these threats as severe and immediate dangers.
International Pressure
The International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged crimes against humanity in Gaza, actions denounced by Israel. An independent inquiry could potentially bolster Israel’s defense against these international allegations.
Opposition Reaction
The Movement for Quality Government in Israel, a petitioner, called the Attorney General’s decision dramatic and unprecedented, stating it underscores that delaying the inquiry is against the public interest and administrative principles.
Netanyahu’s Stance
Netanyahu remains firm that any investigation should wait until the end of the war, refusing to commit to establishing a state commission of inquiry immediately.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.