Israeli Defence Minister Calls for State Inquiry into Hamas Attack Failings

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has called for a state inquiry into the failings surrounding the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, including his own actions and those of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gallant's call, made during a graduation ceremony, comes amid internal tensions within Netanyahu's coalition government.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has called for a state inquiry into the failings surrounding the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. Gallant insisted that the investigation should include an examination of his own actions and those of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gallant made these remarks during a graduation ceremony for new military officers, which was also attended by Netanyahu.

Gallant emphasized that the inquiry must be objective and comprehensive, covering decision-makers and executors within the government, military, and security agencies. His comments were met with cheers from the crowd. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has previously dismissed calls for a state inquiry, stating that such examinations should be conducted post-war.

Only the government has the authority to form a state commission of inquiry, which is vested with a broad mandate and impactful findings. The chief justice of the Supreme Court appoints its members. This is not the first time Gallant has clashed with Netanyahu; last year, he was temporarily sacked for opposing proposed legislation to curb Supreme Court powers, leading to mass protests and his eventual reinstatement.

(With inputs from agencies.)