Why Is Netanyahu So Afraid of an October 7 Inquiry?

In a speech to the Knesset Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected calls to establish a state commission of inquiry into the debacle of October 7. "First I want to defeat Hamas," he said by way of explanation. On another occasion he said Israeli forces must be able to operate "without having to deal with hiring lawyers." But his motives are obvious: He is trying to avoid the creation of an independent panel, one not appointed by him and not composed of individuals likely to grant his wish to place all responsibility for the greatest disaster in Israel's history on the military.