Israel should establish an independent state commission of inquiry into the failures preceding the 7 October attack

Israel held national elections on 27 October 2026, the first since the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership, his corruption trial and security failures at the centre of the campaign. Counting on 28 October showed Netanyahu's bloc on 53 seats, Gadi Eisenkot's bloc on 48 and Arab parties on 19, leaving neither side with the 61 needed for a majority. Official final results are expected on 4 November and may still change.

A book by Haaretz journalists alleges that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approximately ten days before the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack that Hamas was preparing a major operation. Netanyahu denied that the conversation occurred and threatened legal action, while the UAE had not publicly confirmed the allegation.

Responsibility for the failures preceding the 7 October 2023 attack has become central to Israel's election campaign. Netanyahu rejects demands for an official inquiry, while opponents and bereaved families press for accountability. Palestinian rights and Gaza's humanitarian situation receive comparatively limited campaign attention.