Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Monday introduced a proposal for a state commission of inquiry into the April 29 Mount Meron tragedy, which saw 45 people killed and 150 injured a stampede during the Lag B'Omer festival at the site.
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The proposal is identical to the one Gantz presented several weeks ago to the previous government, which voted against setting up the former inquest over the ultra-Orthodox parties' objection to the move.
As per the coalition deal, the government is expected to debate the proposal next week. It will most likely be approved.
"Investigating this tragedy, as well as risks that could affect future events of a similar nature is imperative," Blue and White's leader explains in the proposal.
"We have a moral debt to the families of the victims, as well as the moral duty to spare no effort to ensure such tragedies never happen again."
The bereaved families issued a joint statement welcoming the move.
"We hope that the commission of inquiry into the Meron disaster will be established immediately. This is not a political matter. We expect parties from across the political spectrum to support the move and for the inquiry to take place in a manner that will satisfy the Haredi public that the probe is being conducted with sensitivity and determination," the statement said.
Also on Monday, Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman met with the professional echelon of his new ministry.
"My first mission is to restore the moral and pride of the professionals in this ministry. Our top mission is to pass a [state] budget and to ensure that it is fair and responsible. …We're against raising taxes but we have to pursue responsible fiscal policies," he said.
Meanwhile, incoming Public Security Minister Omer Bar-Lev met with Police Commissioner Yaakov Shabtai on Monday morning for his first briefing.
Former PM Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet with incoming premier Naftali Bennett on Monday afternoon for the official handing over of the office.
At 2:30 p.m. Netanyahu is expected to chair the first session of the opposition.
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