Dr. Dana Blander

The Israeli government recently announced its intention to establish its own commission of inquiry into the events of October 7, 2023, rather than forming a State Commission of Inquiry—the most authoritative, independent, and legally empowered investigative mechanism under Israeli law. As Dr. Dana Blander, a research fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute, explains, Israel’s legal framework provides for several types of investigative commissions, each differing in its degree of independence, statutory authority, and public legitimacy. Notably, the government’s recent decision does not establish a State Commission of Inquiry—the appropriate and legally grounded institution for investigating the events of October 7—nor does it create a governmental commission of inquiry. Instead, it proposes a vague, ad hoc body seemingly tailored to serve specific political interests rather than the public need for a credible and impartial investigation. This explainer outlines the existing commissions - as more information comes to light about the government's planned commission, additional analysis will be provided.

In recent weeks, United States President Donald Trump has approached Israeli President Isaac Herzog with a request to grant Prime Minister Netanyahu a pardon. Here is everything you need to know about the power of the ceremonial President of Israel to issue pardons.

The events of October 7, the judicial overhaul, continuous war, murderous violence on the streets, a spiraling cost of living—none of these have been enough to destabilize the coalition. Will it be the conflict over drafting yeshiva students that ultimately brings down the Netanyahu government?

The announcement by the government this week that it does not intend to form a state commission of inquiry is a grave error—this is not only a civic and moral failure, it also harms Israel's national security and prevents the nation from healing.

The proposed "Public Committee of Inquiry," for investigating the events of October 7th and its aftermath, is an attempt to circumvent the existing framework for such investigations and is unlikely to gain public trust.

Establishing a State Commission of Inquiry is the civic, moral, and public duty at the highest order. And it must be done now.

A special survey conducted in July 2024 evaluated public opinion on the need to establish a commission of inquiry into the tragic events of October 7th, 2024.

A state commission of inquiry is a vital step, but it is up to the public to ensure Israel's leaders are truly held accountable.

What has produced the rise in the President’s confidence rating? One explanation is the public’s yearning for nonpartisanship in a time of crisis. 

Israel's Commission of Inquiry into the Mount Meron disaster released a report that criticizes shortcomings in the culture of accountability in Israel. The Committee distinguished between personal responsibility and ministerial responsibility and offered important recommendations, including for police operations during mass events.

Some actual facts for college and university students whose teachers are under attack for teaching actual facts

The Ministerial Committee on Legislation is a powerful force behind legislation in Israel – therefore it isn’t surprising that Ben-Gvir is vying for the position of Vice-Chairman.

The study, by Dr. Dana Blander, finds that Israel is the only country where sitting members of parliament serve as members of the body that administers and oversees the elections, without any threshold conditions. The members of Knesset and the other members that are party representatives sitting on the Central Election Committee have the authority to make consequential decisions regarding to the election they themselves are usually competing in - including disqualifying lists and the candidates running against them in the election.

The unlikely coalition that survived thanks to the one vote has lost the parliamentary majority. Does this mean that the Knesset will disperse and new elections will be held? Dr. Dana Blander explains the different ways in which the Knesset can be dissolved and discusses the relationship between these mechanisms and government stability in a parliamentary system. 

Minister Gideon Saar's proposed bill preventing a criminal defendant from forming a government is unprecedented, but so is the reality in Israel.

To ensure that the President is able to perform his or her symbolic role in the best possible way, it is important to distance the office as much as possible from political and social disagreements and debates.

In Israel any individual or organization can request the disqualification of an electoral list - also interesting to note that there is no equivalent to the Central Elections Committee in any other democratic state

The Israeli public deserves leadership that isn't weighed down by a track record of incoherent instructions, selective enforcement, and politicians’ own failure to comply

There have been calls to investigate the government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis – but who should do the investigating?

The coronavirus is an international threat but will it stem the growth of populism around the world?

Will the coronavirus crisis result in an unity government, which can, at least temporarily, resolve Israel's political deadlock? IDI experts explain.

A trustworthy and independent Central Elections Committee is essential for the holding of truly democratic elections – that is why a reform is overdue

In Britain, nationwide referendums are a rare event. This development highlights an issue that many of today's democracies are struggling with: the ongoing tension between direct and representative democracy. Is a national referendum a shining example of the democratic ideal put to practice, or does it represents deterioration to cheap populism?

IDI Researcher Dr. Dana Blander discusses the role of Israel's Central Election Committee and asserts that change is needed in its structure, composition, and working methods.

Dr. Dana Blander draws on the findings of Israeli public opinion polls and explores some of the ramifications of the new Basic Law: Referendum, a law that establishes a system in which every citizen is entitled to participate in historic decisions on withdrawal from territory.

As the 2014 presidential election draws near, once again there have been calls to do away with the institution of the presidency. Is the President of Israel an unnecessary position or a vital symbol? IDI researcher Dr. Dana Blander analyzes the two sides of this question.

Dr. Nir Atmor, Dr. Dana Blander, and Assaf Shapira share some preliminary findings on voter turnout and women's representation in the Israeli municipal elections of 2013.

IDI Researcher Dr. Dana Blander examines the statutory and customary roles of the Speaker of the Knesset and considers whether this is a symbolic job or one that has real influence on the operations of the Knesset. In addition, she compares the powers and functions of the Knesset Speaker with the corresponding roles in Great Britain and Australia.

An article that introduces the debate about the definition of "terrorism," analyzes its scope, frequency, and ramifications, and concludes with two ways to understand terrorism as a significant threat to democracy.