Israel’s parliament has passed legislation creating a special military tribunal to prosecute individuals accused of involvement in the October 7 Hamas attack, in a move lawmakers say is intended to address national trauma and streamline judicial proceedings.
The law authorises the establishment of a dedicated military court in Jerusalem, to be presided over by a panel of three judges. It is intended to try hundreds of members of Hamas alleged to have participated in the cross-border assault.
Israel is currently holding an estimated 200–300 fighters captured during or after the October 7 attack, though official figures remain classified. These detainees have not yet been formally charged.
Under the new framework, the tribunal may also prosecute additional suspects apprehended later in Gaza, including individuals accused of involvement in hostage-taking or abuse of Israeli captives.
The legislation received broad political backing, passing in the Knesset with 93 of 120 lawmakers voting in favour, a rare instance of cross-party consensus in Israeli politics amid the ongoing conflict.