Ehud Barak Calls for Professional Help for Sara Netanyahu

Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak sharply criticized Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Tuesday, stating she "needs professional observation and perhaps pity." Barak's comments followed remarks made by Sara Netanyahu about Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party.

Barak placed the responsibility for Sara Netanyahu's involvement in such matters on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "Personally, I say she needs professional observation and perhaps pity," Barak stated in an interview with 103fm. He argued that while other prime ministers' spouses maintained a separation between family and political life, Benjamin Netanyahu has failed to do so. "We are talking about her because of her husband. Her husband is responsible for her involvement in these matters," Barak said.

Barak also defended Yair Golan, recounting a military incident where Golan, then a deputy battalion commander, was wounded. Barak recalled asking how the deputy commander was the first to be injured, only to be told that Golan had charged forward before anyone understood what was happening. "He is a brave and sharp man, it is very good that he is in politics, and it is a shame that the Prime Minister's wife treats him this way," Barak added.

Continuing his criticism, Barak also attacked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as "a wounded animal in a trap" who will "not shy away from anything" in the upcoming elections. Barak suggested that Netanyahu "will use any tool" because he "must" do so for his own survival.

When asked about leadership for the "change bloc," Barak pointed to Gadi Eisenkot, stating, "Gadi Eisenkot does not need my approval, he leads the bloc." Barak asserted that Eisenkot, or any of the other four individuals he considers potential leaders, would be a significantly better prime minister than Netanyahu in his current "psychological and political state."