Israeli Minister Gantz proposes Gaza conflict inquiry
Israeli War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz has proposed the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the events surrounding the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and the subsequent conflict in the Gaza Strip.
According to the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, Gantz’s proposal aims to investigate all aspects leading up to the conflict, including the decision-making process at both the political and military levels, as well as the conduct during the conflict itself.
Gantz’s recommendation includes an examination of the effectiveness of operations conducted in Gaza since Oct. 7 and the response to threats along Israel’s borders with Lebanon and Syria.
There would also be an inquiry into the “fulfillment of the obligations imposed by international law on the State of Israel in the conduct of the war,” according to the proposed government resolution. The commission would be responsible for establishing findings and conclusions and would ultimately submit a comprehensive report on its findings to the government.
Amid the intense scrutiny by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the commission would play a critical role in examining whether Israel has fulfilled its obligations under international law in conducting the war.
This scrutiny is particularly significant as it could potentially preempt the ICC’s consideration of arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The proposal comes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent contradiction of the military regarding warnings about a potential Hamas attack.
Gantz’s call for an inquiry highlights concerns over the government’s handling of intelligence and decision-making leading up to the conflict.
On May 18, Gantz set a deadline for Netanyahu to formulate a comprehensive strategy for the Gaza conflict and its aftermath, threatening withdrawal from the government if no action is taken.
Netanyahu has faced criticism for his failure to anticipate the Hamas attack and for his management of the issue of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian group.
Despite a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, Israel has continued its military operations in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life and widespread devastation in Gaza, with thousands of Palestinians killed or injured, and essential resources such as food, water, and medicine severely depleted. Around 36,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed and more than 80,600 injured in Gaza since October.
Israel’s actions in Gaza have drawn international condemnation, with accusations of human rights violations and calls for immediate cessation of hostilities.
