Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing mounting public anger after announcing that his government will oversee the official inquiry into the Hamas militant group's devastating October 7, 2023 attack. The controversial decision has sparked widespread protests across Israel, with citizens demanding an independent state commission to investigate the security failures that allowed the attack to occur.
Mass Protests Erupt in Tel Aviv
Thousands of Israeli citizens gathered at Habima Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday, November 15, 2025, to voice their opposition to Netanyahu's handling of the investigation. Protesters carried signs and chanted slogans calling for a state commission of inquiry independent of government influence. The demonstration represents growing public frustration with the current administration's approach to examining one of the most significant security failures in Israel's history.
The October 7 attack by Hamas militants resulted in numerous casualties and triggered the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict that has dominated international headlines for over two years. Many Israelis believe that only an impartial investigation can properly address the systemic failures that allowed the attack to happen and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Government Control Over Investigation
Netanyahu's announcement that his government would maintain oversight of the inquiry process has raised concerns about potential bias and lack of transparency. Critics argue that a government-controlled investigation cannot adequately examine the role of political leadership in the security lapses that preceded the attack.
The Prime Minister's office has defended the decision, stating that government oversight will ensure a thorough and efficient investigation process. However, opposition leaders and victims' families have expressed skepticism, noting that previous government-led inquiries into military and intelligence failures have often been criticized for protecting senior officials from accountability.
Growing Political Tensions
The controversy over the investigation comes amid ongoing political tensions in Israel. Netanyahu's coalition government has faced increasing pressure from both domestic and international sources regarding its handling of security matters and the prolonged conflict with Hamas.
Public trust in government institutions has been steadily declining since the October 7 attack, with many Israelis questioning the competence and accountability of their leadership. The current protests reflect a broader demand for political transparency and reform in how national security crises are investigated and addressed.
As the debate over the inquiry continues, Israeli society remains deeply divided over the best path forward for ensuring national security and holding leadership accountable for failures. The outcome of this political struggle could have significant implications for Israel's governance and its approach to future security challenges in the region.
