Knesset Chairman Amir Ohana responded today to the recommendations against him in State Commission of Inquiry’s report on the Meron disaster, per which he should not be allowed to serve again as Public Security Minister, arguing that “this is a long-standing failure in organizing the event and the infrastructures.”
“Since the Meron Disaster, I bear the sorrow of the families with me, those whom I consoled during their shiva and those that not, for the loss of their loved ones. At this time, my thoughts are given to them,” said Ohana. “The conclusions of the commission do not give closure, but rather open the most important chapter – fixing the situation so such a disaster doesn’t happen again – not in Meron or anywhere else in Israel.”
“As described in the report, this is a long-standing failure in organizing the event and infrastructures of the place, but this disaster happened on my watch as Public Security Minister, and I therefore have responsibility,” he said. "I will study the report and do everything I can to learn the necessary lessons."
In addition to the recommendations against Ohana, the Prime Minister was also deemed personally responsible for the Meron Disaster, but due to the Prime Minister being an elected position of a unique character, the commission decided to not make any practical recommendations regarding Netanyahu.