Opposition members of 'Israel's' Knesset leave during a preliminary vote to establish a political commission of inquiry, December 24, 2025.
'Israeli' lawmakers shout “Shame” in Knesset as October 7 probe bill advances
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Heated scenes erupt in the Knesset as opposition lawmakers protest the bill.
- Families of detainees reject a politically appointed commission.
Shouts of “Shame” rang out in the Knesset on Wednesday as 'Israeli' opposition lawmakers protested a draft bill advancing a political commission to investigate the failures surrounding the October 7 events.
Video footage shows lawmakers tearing up copies of the bill on the plenum floor, underscoring fierce opposition to what critics describe as a government-led attempt to control accountability.
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The bill passed a preliminary reading despite chaotic scenes inside parliament and protests outside by bereaved families, survivors, and relatives of captives. 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was absent from the vote, as he was attending an 'Israel' Air Force pilot cadets ceremony.
What the bill proposes
The legislation, submitted by Likud lawmaker Ariel Kallner, seeks to establish a commission of inquiry outside the framework of the 1968 Commissions of Inquiry Law. Under that law, the chief justice of the Supreme Court appoints an independent panel with broad investigative powers.
Instead, the proposed commission would be selected through a Knesset-led process. It would consist of six members, with lawmakers given a limited period to reach agreement on appointments by a supermajority. If consensus fails, the coalition and opposition would each appoint three members, while the Knesset speaker would be authorized to fill opposition slots if cooperation breaks down.
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Critics argue the structure allows the political echelon, including officials who could themselves be subject to investigation, to influence both the commission’s composition and mandate.
Protest captured on camera
During the debate, 'Israeli' opposition lawmakers interrupted proceedings, held signs reading “No to a cover-up”, and tore up copies of the draft bill as cameras rolled. Members of the October Council, representing bereaved families, survivors, and relatives of captives, turned their backs from the visitors’ gallery as the bill was presented.
Opposition figures said the scenes reflected growing public anger and a collapse of trust in the political leadership overseeing the inquiry process.
Families warn of a “cover-up”
Relatives of captives and those killed during the October 7 events said the preliminary approval deepened feelings of anger and betrayal. The October Council described the move as “a painful and inconceivable step”, warning that a political commission would replace “healing, responsibility and rehabilitation” with a process designed to obscure accountability.
The group reiterated its demand for an independent, professional, and non-political state commission of inquiry that prioritizes public safety, lessons learned from the failures, and the rehabilitation of affected communities.
Earlier on Wednesday, the council organized coordinated protests outside the homes of senior ministers and lawmakers, including Education Minister Yoav Kisch, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, 'Israeli' Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.
Coalition defense
Coalition supporters argue that a commission appointed by 'Israeli' Supreme Court Chief Justice Isaac Amit would not be viewed as impartial by large segments of the public. Some government allies have floated the idea of involving conservative Justice Noam Sohlberg in appointing commission members to address those concerns.
Families and opposition lawmakers have rejected the proposal, saying it does not resolve the fundamental issue of political interference.
What comes next
Wednesday’s vote marked only the first stage of the legislative process. The bill must still pass committee deliberations and additional readings before becoming law, as disputes over how 'Israel' should investigate the October 7 failures continue to divide the political system and the families most directly affected.
