Israel Enacts Law Allowing Military Trials for Oct. 7 Attack Suspects

Nearly three years after the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, the country’s Parliament has passed a law that establishes a framework for military trials of Palestinians suspected of participating in the assault. The legislation, enacted on Monday, received support from both the governing coalition and opposition parties, passing by a vote of 93-0 with no opposition recorded.

The suspects have been held without charge since their capture. Prosecutors have not yet finalized indictments in the cases, and investigations remain ongoing in some instances, according to two senior Israeli law enforcement officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the proceedings.

One of the officials said it could take a year before any trials begin. Some of the detainees could be charged with genocide, which carries a possible death sentence under Israeli law. At least 350 prisoners could face charges, though almost all details about the detainees and the cases have been kept secret.

The law passed with overwhelming support.

One lawmaker involved in drafting the bill described it as more than an ordinary statute. >"This is more than an ordinary law. " — Yulia Malinovsky (The New York Times) Proponents have said the proceedings could become among the most significant legal actions in Israeli history.

The Oct. 7 attack led by Hamas triggered a two-year war in Gaza that continues to shape regional security and legal accountability efforts. The legislation sets the stage for trials in military courts rather than civilian ones. Officials have not disclosed a specific timeline for when charges will be filed or trials will commence beyond the one-year estimate for the start of proceedings.