Israel delays forming an investigative commission into the October 7 attack, raising concerns over democratic institutions and Netanyahu's grip on power.
Postponement of commission creation
The Israeli Supreme Court has delayed its decision on establishing an investigative commission into the October 7 attack, pushing the choice to after the upcoming legislative elections on October 27. The government cited scheduling constraints in the Knesset as the reason for the delay.Tradition of accountability
Forming an investigative commission after a major national event is a long-standing practice in Israel, as seen with the Agranat commission after the 1973 Yom Kippur War. However, current circumstances are viewed as distinct, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu positioning himself as a victim of elites and resisting accountability for the October 7 attack.Media highlights executive failures
Various media outlets, including Haaretz, have pointed out serious malfunctions within the executive branch, even suggesting the Prime Minister himself may be implicated. The October 27 election will decide if Israelis wish to continue with a leader who has held power for seventeen years and who has refused to take responsibility for the country's failures.Contested leadership and governance
The election is expected to be close, with many Israelis favoring unity in the face of external criticism. While Netanyahu faces global disapproval, some prefer a strong leader despite his actions, such as delaying judicial appointments and appointing ministers involved in corruption or deemed ineffective, like Tourism Minister Miri Regev.Religious influence on governance
The presence of Jewish fundamentalists in the government is viewed as a threat to the unofficial compromise governing the relationship between power and religion since 1947. Ultra-orthodox groups aligned with Netanyahu aim to retain only the "Jewish state" aspect, potentially shifting the country toward a plebiscitary regime or even a disguised theocracy.Broad-based criticism of Netanyahu
This critique is not limited to leftists or conspiracy theorists but is also shared by Israeli conservatives like Ehud Olmert and Benny Begin, who are appalled by the damage caused by Netanyahu. The election will determine the future of Israel's democratic institutions, making it a pivotal moment for the country's governance.
