Story perspectives

Supreme Court Delegates Inquiry Panel Amid Netanyahu's Opposition

2/3/2026

Center

Amit Delegates Authority

Supreme Court President Isaac Amit delegated authority to Deputy Supreme Court President Noam Sohlberg to determine the members of a judicial panel hearing petitions for a state commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
Amit said it was inappropriate for him to decide the panel composition because of potential bias.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the commission, arguing it would be biased.
Petitioners argue that an independent investigation is essential.
Families of victims plan a demonstration in Tel Aviv to press for accountability.

Right

Netanyahu Justifies Closure

The High Court of Justice ordered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to justify closing Army Radio by March 15, 2026.
Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the closure, citing politicization of the station, while advisory committee's biased process drew scrutiny after its chairman resigned over a conflict of interest.
Government officials, including Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, defended the closure as lawful, and the ruling sparked reactions about authority and public trust.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, Israel's Supreme Court underscored the necessity of judicial independence, asserting its role in checking government power, especially on national security matters. This principle resonates today as families of victims from the October 7 Hamas attack seek accountability through inquiries, reflecting ongoing tensions between governmental authority and public trust in Israel's democratic institutions.

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Amit Delegates Authority

Supreme Court President Isaac Amit delegated authority to Deputy Supreme Court President Noam Sohlberg to determine the members of a judicial panel hearing petitions for a state commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
Amit said it was inappropriate for him to decide the panel composition because of potential bias.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the commission, arguing it would be biased.
Petitioners argue that an independent investigation is essential.
Families of victims plan a demonstration in Tel Aviv to press for accountability.

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