Criminal10/7/2026

First Indictment Against Nukhba Terrorists Planned for Filing by Mid-2027

The Knesset Constitution Committee discussed preparations for the trials of the Nukhba terrorists in connection with the October 7 attack. Committee chair Simcha Rothman cited the first half of 2027 as a possible date for filing the first indictment, but that date is not yet final.

Key facts

•Body: Knesset Constitution Committee
•Date of discussion: October 7, 2026
•Target date: first half of 2027
•Estimated number of defendants: more than 400
•Court: special military court in Jerusalem
•The law was passed by the Knesset in May 2026

What the Committee Discussed

The discussion focused on transferring investigative materials from the State Attorney’s Office to the military and establishing a special prosecution unit. Chief Military Prosecutor Col. Eli Levertov said that its head must be selected within two weeks. According to Rothman, once appointed, the head will have to set the target date for filing the first indictment during his first week.

How the Trials Will Be Conducted

The Law for the Prosecution of Nukhba Terrorists, passed by the Knesset in May 2026, provides for the establishment of a special military court in Jerusalem. Indictments are planned against more than 400 terrorists, and the final number will depend on the continued operations of the Shin Bet and the IDF in Gaza. The trials will be divided according to the locations where the offenses were committed—including the events in Be’eri, Nir Oz and the Nova festival.

How the Evidence Is Collected

The Southern District Attorney’s Office prepared legal opinions concerning hundreds of suspects and attached draft indictments to them. Prosecutors are comparing testimonies with data from the scenes of the events, videos and the testimonies of other individuals questioned. The military also located additional digital materials and is checking whether they were previously transferred to the police.

Victims’ Rights and Public Access to the Proceedings

The state is preparing a system to broadcast the court proceedings because the law requires them to be shown. At the same time, a mechanism is being established to support victims and provide access to information about the progress of the trials. The State Attorney’s Office said it aims to present the story of every person killed in court, although the complex conditions at the attack scenes made evidence collection difficult.

The Date Remains a Target

Rothman called for the first indictment to be filed in the first half of 2027 and said that this target is achievable based on the data presented. However, he clarified that the target could be changed in accordance with the progress of the work. The source does not report that any indictments had been filed as of the date of the discussion.

What this means for you

For the victims and the families of those killed, this means that a separate mechanism is being prepared to provide information, support and access to the future trials. The court proceedings are expected to be broadcast, and the cases will be grouped according to the geographic locations of the attacks. The stated date is a working target, not a guarantee that the proceedings will begin by a specific date.

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