The High Court of Justice on Wednesday instructed the government to provide an update within 30 days regarding the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the events of the October 7 massacre.
In the judges' decision, it was written that there is no real dispute about the need to establish such a committee, which will have extensive investigative powers and the ability to make comprehensive findings and recommendations regarding the tragic events of that day.
"Upon reviewing the documents provided and listening to the parties, we have determined that there is no real dispute regarding the necessity of establishing a state commission with broad investigative powers and the authority to make findings and recommendations concerning the events of October 7, 2023 (hereafter: the committee)," the letter stated.
"In these circumstances, the government respondents are entitled to update the court within 30 days from today about the status of the committee's establishment."
The Zulat Institute and 86 former Knesset members, who also filed a petition demanding the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, responded to the High Court's order and said: "Following the petition by the Zulat Institute and others to the High Court demanding the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, the High Court now clarifies that a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 failure must be established with broad investigative powers, signaling to the government that any other option for establishing a commission is off the table."
Attorney Dafna Holtz Kiner, who represents the Zulat Institute, also responded: "A dramatic moment, the High Court's announcement leaves no doubt – a state commission of inquiry will be established as soon as possible. The truth cannot be dismissed. We will continue the struggle for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry until the entire truth is revealed to the people of Israel!"
The Movement for Quality Government also praised the decision: "The Movement for Quality Government welcomes the Supreme Court's decision, which states there is no real dispute regarding the need to establish a state commission with broad investigative powers for the October 7 events. The movement petitioned the High Court on this matter in June 2024, more than a year and a half ago, claiming it was time to establish a state commission of inquiry. Now, after the hostage release agreement has been signed and the war is ending, the movement has submitted an update and requested that the court order the establishment of the committee, as it is now also the government's position."