The government has announced it will set up its own investigation into the failures surrounding the October 7 Hamas attack, rejecting widespread calls for a traditional state commission of inquiry. While officials claim the new commission will be 'independent' and have full investigative authority, its mandate and membership will be determined by cabinet ministers, raising concerns about impartiality. Critics, including opposition leaders and good governance groups, argue that the move is an attempt by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to maintain control over the process and avoid accountability, especially as polls show most Israelis support a state commission. Internal disagreements within the cabinet remain over the scope and organization of the probe, and the decision has sparked accusations of 'whitewashing' and evasion of responsibility from across the political spectrum.