Ex-IDF Spokesperson Urges Public to Ignore Netanyahu's Wife

Avi Benayahu, former IDF Spokesperson, issued an unusual public appeal on Tuesday, urging Israelis to cease discussing recent controversial remarks made by Sara Netanyahu, the Prime Minister's wife. Benayahu called on the public not to be swayed by the agenda set by such discussions, emphasizing that Netanyahu is not an elected official, despite her influence.

Instead, Benayahu proposed shifting public focus to a range of pressing national issues. He listed "three years of war with all the still-open fronts," the refusal of an inquiry committee into the October 7th events, the "collapsing" reserve army, and the Iron Dome's perceived ineffectiveness for draft dodgers. He also highlighted Israel's standing in the US and globally, the high cost of living, and the emigration of families from Israel.

Further, Benayahu pointed to "nationalist crime in the territories" as a potential spark for major conflict, alongside the state of public services, traffic congestion, teacher shortages, the rehabilitation of northern Israel, extortion rackets in the north and south, and youth violence. He concluded by stressing the urgent need for change and asserting that the intense focus on Sara Netanyahu's statements distracts from these critical matters, calling the surrounding controversy "vanity and pointless shuffling."