Netanyahu Government Faces July 1 Deadline to Establish October 7 Investigation Framework; 74% of Israelis Back Independent Commission

On May 4, 2026 (Day 940), the Israeli political establishment continued to grapple with the Supreme Court's July 1 framework deadline for establishing an October 7 investigation mechanism. The Netanyahu government, which has consistently resisted an independent state commission with subpoena power, was advancing alternative legislation through the Knesset that would give the ruling coalition control over the probe's composition — angering bereaved families, opposition parties, and the Attorney General. A Hebrew University poll from late April showed 74% of Israelis (including 68% of the right-wing base) support a fully independent commission. Israel's Attorney General maintained that a government-controlled probe would not satisfy the public accountability standard required by Israeli law for events of this magnitude. The October Council, the main bereaved families umbrella organization, warned the Supreme Court that the government's delays were unconscionable given that perpetrators of October 7 continue to be killed in targeted strikes (most recently Iyad Shambari on April 29) — making documentation and accountability increasingly urgent before witnesses and evidence disperse further. With October 2026 elections approaching, the investigation question is expected to be a central campaign issue; opposition parties (Gantz's National Unity and Lapid's Yesh Atid) have pledged to immediately establish an independent commission upon taking office. The ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant — issued November 21, 2024 — remain active, further complicating Netanyahu's international travel and adding to pressure for domestic accountability mechanisms.