Erdan and Edelstein's new candidate surprised: does not commit to establishing a state commission of inquiry

Oren Smadja, the new candidate from the 'HaAchdut' party of Erdan and Edelstein, does not commit to establishing a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 events. In a post on X, he called for a 'true and independent' commission that would not be appointed by the judicial system, and said the party would only join a broad Zionist government. When asked about his agenda, he replied: 'To connect, heal the rift, and rebuild trust between the parts of the people.'

Oren Smadja, the new candidate from the 'HaAchdut' party of Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein, does not commit to establishing a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 events, and offers an alternative that does not necessarily align with the party. In a post published last night (Sunday) on X, he wrote: 'As a person who has experienced bereavement, I believe more than ever that everything must be investigated, in depth and independently... A true and independent commission of inquiry must be established that will investigate all those responsible and involved in the failure that led to the terrible massacre, including the political echelon, the security system, and the judicial system.' He added: 'Therefore, the commission cannot be appointed by the judicial system, nor gain the trust of half the people, nor by the coalition, nor gain the trust of the other half of the people. This is another central reason why we will only enter a broad Zionist government.' When asked about his agenda if elected, he replied vaguely: 'Mainly to connect, heal the rift, and rebuild trust between the parts of the people.' Smadja, an Olympic bronze medalist from Barcelona 1992, joined the party last week and said he chose Erdan because he believes in the path he leads: 'true and responsible right.' Last year, he dedicated the torch-lighting at Mount Herzl to his son Omer, may he rest in peace, who fell in battle in the Gaza Strip.