Israeli Supreme Court suspends State Audit Office investigation into October 7 failures

Tel Aviv (Israel), June 17 (ANI/TPS): Israel’s Supreme Court on Sunday ordered State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman to suspend his investigation into security services’ failings from October 7 until a hearing on the matter in July. The Comptroller, also known as the State Ombudsman, regularly publishes reports examining Israeli preparedness and the effectiveness of government policies.

Government oversight groups petitioned the court against Englman’s investigation, arguing that the security issues went beyond the auditor’s purview, that the probe would cause operational damage to the army and that the inquiry would not address political responsibility for decisions made in the run-up to Hamas’ attacks on communities near the Gaza border. In May, Supreme Court Judge Gila Canfy-Steinitz ruled not to halt the auditor’s investigation. But on Sunday she said confidential responses from security authorities had led her to suspend Englman’s investigation until a hearing in July.

“Given the complex security reality, the planned scope of the investigation, which will address, among other things, the Combat Support System and key operational issues, and the preparations required at this time to respond to it (the investigation) … I order the suspension of investigative procedures in all matters concerning the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet,” Canfy-Steinitz ruled. Englman’s investigation was also opposed by Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, as well as the prosecution.

In February, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi ordered an internal investigation into the October 7 military failures. This investigation will examine the Israel Defense Forces General Staff, military intelligence, Gaza border defense deficiencies, and general operational matters. Its mandate will not include political-level decisions. After the war, a separate, independent commission of inquiry will be established with a broader mandate, including political failures. Such commissions will have broader powers to summon witnesses and gather evidence, and will be headed by a senior Supreme Court judge.

At least 1,200 people were killed and 252 Israelis and foreigners taken hostage in Hamas attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 116 remaining hostages, more than 30 are believed to be dead. (ANI/TPS)

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