More than 200 former hostages and their family members on Sunday said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should immediately establish a state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the October 7 massacre and the handling of the hostages, or resign.
In a letter also signed by the October Council, which represents families affected by the Hamas terrorist attacks, they demanded “truth, justice, and accountability.” Only a state commission has the legal authority to investigate decision-making before and after the attack, the letter said.
The organizers said the appeal marked the 800th day since the October 7 massacre, and that the campaign would intensify in the coming days.
Signatories include former captives Yarden Bibas, Arbel Yehud, Ariel and Sharon Cunio, Luis Har, Gadi Moses, Amit Sosna, and Ohad Ben Ami.
The letter was also signed by family members of slain hostages, including relatives of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, who were murdered in captivity.
'Stop evading, stop delaying, stop whitewashing'
A state commission of inquiry must independently examine prewar intelligence and defense failures, the hours-long abandonment of border communities, and decisions throughout the hostage negotiations, including delays and public statements that may have impacted captives’ lives and health, the letter said. A political committee “cannot investigate itself,” it said, adding that only a statutory commission can subpoena witnesses and documents.
“We call on the government of Israel to stop evading, stop delaying, and stop whitewashing, and to establish a full state commission of inquiry at once,” the letter said. “We demand truth. We demand justice. We demand responsibility. If you will not take responsibility and establish such a commission as the public demands, step aside and let the people decide.”
There have been disputes for months over the format and timing of any inquiry. Bereaved families have repeatedly pressed Netanyahu to establish a formal state commission, and the High Court of Justice has required explanations for the government’s stance.
Netanyahu and cabinet ministers have floated alternatives and criticized potential involvement of former security officials, prompting criticism over credibility. Rallies led by the October Council have urged a statutory probe with subpoena powers.
“Without investigating the truth, we cannot ensure that October 7 never happens again,” the letter said. “Without accountability, we cannot honor the memory of those who fell, those who were abducted, and those still held in Gaza. A state commission of inquiry now.”