Knesset Passes First Reading on October 7 Inquiry Bill

The Knesset plenum passed the government-backed October 7 inquiry bill in first reading on Monday evening. Reports say the vote drew 59 MKs in favor and no abstentions or opponents after opposition MKs boycotted the vote. The bill, sponsored by Likud MK Ariel Kallner, would create a six-member state-national inquiry committee; the Knesset would first seek 80-MK approval for the slate, and if that fails coalition and opposition channels would name three members each. Reports say coalition officials view first-reading passage as important because it could let the bill carry continuity into the next Knesset if the current Knesset dissolves before final passage.