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Widespread anger erupted on Sunday after the Israeli government approved the creation of an “independent” investigation committee operating outside state authority. Relatives of October 7 victims condemned the move as a political scheme meant to shield leaders from accountability.
Residents of Gaza border communities, among the hardest hit during the massacre, were quick to reject the proposal. Meirav Cohen of Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha called the committee “a rotten scam,” accusing the government of mocking families who lost loved ones.
Under the plan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will form a ministerial team tasked with defining the committee’s authority and scope within 45 days. Families say the structure allows the government—whose leadership is under scrutiny—to shape its own investigation.
Rafi Ben Shitrit, whose son Shimon was killed on October 7, said the decision “proves Israel has a cowardly prime minister.” He insisted that only a state-run commission can fully examine political, military, and intelligence failures.
Several bereaved families vowed to launch mass protests to force the establishment of a legally mandated state commission. “We’ll take to the streets,” Ben Shitrit said. “We won’t let this happen.”
Families of victims from the Nova music festival echoed the outrage. Menashe Manzuri, who lost two daughters, said only a government-appointed commission could uncover the full truth of how thousands of terrorists infiltrated Israeli territory.
Reut Edri, whose son Ido was murdered at the festival, accused Netanyahu of “declaring war on bereaved families.” She said the public must now join their fight to uncover the truth.
Freed hostage relatives also voiced dissatisfaction. Renana Guma, who lost her husband while her sons were held in Gaza, said a proper state investigation should have been established long ago.
Political leaders condemned the government’s move as well. Former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot labeled it the “cover-up and shady deal committee,” arguing that those responsible cannot determine the terms of their own investigation.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid said the refusal to create a state inquiry “endangers Israel’s security” and insults families who sacrificed so much since the attack.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum also criticized recent comments from ministers, saying the government’s priorities confirm the need for a formal state investigation.
On Monday, the government announced that Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin will head the committee. Members include senior ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, further intensifying accusations of political control over the probe.
