State Comptroller and Public Complaints Commissioner Matanyahu Englman spoke at the annual economic conference of the Association of Treasurers today (Thursday), discussing the investigations his office is conducting regarding the failures of October 7th and the “Iron Swords” War.
A Complete and Accurate Investigation
Englman emphasized that his office is working to examine all levels involved in the events — political, military, and civilian — to provide a complete and accurate picture of the failures that led to that difficult day.
“From the beginning, I announced that we would conduct an investigation at all levels—political, military, and civilian,” said Englman, noting that about 200 employees from his office are currently conducting a comprehensive review of the events. “There is no other objective and independent body besides us examining what happened,” he added.
Extensive Review of Government Ministries and the Security Establishment
According to Englman, his office has been conducting investigations for months at the Prime Minister’s Office, the National Security Council (NSC), and the Military Secretariat. The review includes:
✔ Examining cabinet meeting protocols
✔ Assessing the information presented to decision-makers
✔ Identifying officials who warned of overlooked threats
✔ Tracking decisions made before the disaster
“Even defense ministers have cooperated from the outset,” noted Englman.
However, Englman criticized the lack of full cooperation from certain security officials: “Without full cooperation from the IDF and Shin Bet, a complete investigation cannot be conducted. For a year and a half, the Chief of Staff and the Shin Bet director have blocked an investigation into the core failures.”
Englman called on the Attorney General to ensure the implementation of the Basic Law on the State Comptroller, and instruct all relevant bodies to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Demand for an Independent External Inquiry
Englman emphasized that internal military or government investigations are insufficient: “Israeli citizens deserve answers from an independent and impartial investigation, not just from internal reviews leaked to the media. We cannot rely solely on an inquiry conducted by the very body being investigated, especially when its leadership is not being questioned by an external entity.”
Criticism of Military Leadership’s Conduct
Englman revealed that a year ago he met with Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, and warned him that the failures leading to October 7th stemmed in part from disregarding criticism and alternative viewpoints.
“This was evident in the failure to heed warnings from the observation soldiers — and even now, the IDF is trying to push back against the State Comptroller’s investigation instead of addressing the failures,” he said.
Regarding claims that the State Comptroller’s Office lacks the capacity to review military conduct, Englman countered: “We have an entire division that has been auditing the defense establishment for decades, including the most classified matters. The division is headed by Brigadier General (Res.) Eitan Dahan, who previously served as the IDF’s Chief Auditor.”
“Israel Must Adopt a Culture of Accountability”
Englman emphasized the need for a culture of accountability within the public and security sectors: “Israel must develop a culture of responsibility, even for actions that do not necessarily cross a criminal threshold.”
Englman concluded by stating that the return of hostages to their homes in recent days underscores the urgent need for answers for the Israeli public. “If a state commission of inquiry is established, we will coordinate its scope with them,” he clarified, stressing that his office’s investigation will continue with full intensity.
Englman reaffirmed his commitment to a thorough and independent investigation, emphasizing that Israeli citizens deserve full transparency and accountability. As his office continues its review, he stressed that the pursuit of truth must take precedence over internal politics or institutional resistance.
