The race to try the terrorists: hundreds of suspects in the massacre still await investigation

In a special session of the Constitution Committee on the anniversary of the October 7 massacre, it was revealed that alongside some 400 terrorists who have already been interrogated, hundreds more suspects have yet to be investigated. The state is advancing the establishment of a dedicated legal complex in Atarot, the appointment of judges, and a budget of over one billion shekels. The trials themselves are expected to begin only in 2028.

In a special session of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee convened on the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre, a troubling statistic was revealed: alongside some 400 terrorists who have already been interrogated, hundreds more suspects with clear evidence of direct involvement in the massacre have yet to be investigated. The session, initiated by committee chair MK Simcha Rothman and MK Yulia Malinovsky, dealt with the implementation of the special law for prosecuting Hamas terrorists. The new legal framework is intended to apply to all terrorists who crossed the border that day and to hostage holders. The number of victims is estimated at around 12,000 people. Malinovsky demanded a reduction in bureaucratic delays: "The people of Israel deserve answers." Rothman emphasized the importance of timing and the national mission. The dedicated court is planned for Atarot, Jerusalem, with panels of three judges. The government approved a budget of over one billion shekels for the years 2026–2029. The year 2027 will be dedicated to preparation and appointment of judges, and the trials themselves are expected to begin only in 2028. The figure of hundreds still uninvestigated illustrates the scale of the challenge.