High Court Halts Comptroller’s Probe Into IDF, Shin Bet Roles in October 7 Attacks
In a pivotal ruling on Sunday, the High Court of Justice directed State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman to temporarily cease parts of his investigative efforts into the October 7 Hamas attacks that involve the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency. The decision, penned by Justice Gila Canfy-Steinitz, followed a thorough review of classified documents presented by various security bodies, leading to a pause in the comptroller’s expansive probe scheduled to be revisited in a July court session.
Since its announcement in December 2023, Englman’s investigation has stirred significant controversy. Governance advocacy groups have legally challenged his authority to conduct such a review, arguing it falls outside his jurisdiction and could detrimentally affect the IDF’s operational efficacy. Critics also fear that the investigation could overshadow the political echelons’ responsibility for the catastrophic events of the day.
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Contrastingly, Englman has defended the necessity of his inquiry, suggesting that any postponement would jeopardize a comprehensive and effective evaluation of the incidents, including identifying individual accountability across military and civilian sectors.
This judicial halt marks a departure from an earlier stance in May, where Justice Canfy-Steinitz opted against suspending the comptroller’s activities. However, she reversed this decision, citing the “complex security reality” and the depth of the planned investigation, which demands substantial preparation and could disrupt current military operations.
