Netanyahu's Wife Rejects Golan's Ultimatum, Demands Apology

Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has vehemently rejected a demand for an apology from retired Major General Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party. In a sharp letter, Netanyahu stated that not only would she not apologize, but Golan himself should apologize for his past words and actions.

The dispute stems from an interview Netanyahu gave to Channel 14, where she commented on Golan's activities on October 7th. After being shown a video of Golan at a protest against the government's judicial overhaul, Netanyahu remarked that a high-ranking military officer like Golan, claiming to be a fighter on October 7th, would have been ready early in the morning, before the Prime Minister received any updates.

Golan responded by sending Netanyahu a legal notice demanding an apology and correction within 24 hours, along with compensation to be donated to survivors of the Nova music festival massacre. His lawyers argued that Netanyahu's remarks implied Golan had prior knowledge of the planned attack and was present before the Prime Minister was even aware of the war's outbreak, also questioning his participation in the fighting. Golan presented his account of that morning, stating he drove to the Home Front Command headquarters after the scale of the disaster became apparent. He threatened legal action and a lawsuit for at least 2.5 million shekels if his demands were not met.

In parallel to the legal exchange, Golan publicly criticized the Prime Minister and the security establishment, suggesting they had repeatedly tried to warn Netanyahu without success. He referenced a past interview where Netanyahu downplayed security warnings. Golan vowed that Netanyahu would be held accountable for the failures after the next government is formed.

This is not Golan's first legal entanglement over similar issues; he recently had to retract a post accusing MK Zvi Sukkot of diverting IDF forces before October 7th, after Sukkot threatened a libel suit. The current confrontation between Sara Netanyahu and Yair Golan adds to the ongoing political and legal tensions surrounding the October 7th events and accountability for the failures. The outcome of whether the parties will reach a settlement or proceed to court is expected soon.