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Israeli High Court Weighs Forcing Oct. 7 State Inquiry as Protests Disrupt Hearing

The case tests whether the judiciary can order an independent commission rather than leave the decision to elected leaders.

Overview

  • The High Court held a high-profile hearing Thursday on petitions to compel a state commission to probe the October 7 failures.
  • Access to the courtroom was restricted to lawyers, press, and authorized guests, with a live broadcast ordered due to feared disruptions.
  • Protests outside the Jerusalem courthouse escalated as pro-government activists tried to force entry and demonstrators pounded on doors.
  • Government lawyers argued only the cabinet can create a commission and said a court order would breach the separation of powers.
  • Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara urged a state commission with judicially linked appointments and broad powers, while the court left its November conditional order unresolved and the Knesset pursues a political committee route.