Netanyahu Addresses October 7th Failures, Denies Betrayal Claims

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded Tuesday to controversy surrounding statements made by his wife, Sara Netanyahu, regarding conspiracy theories about the October 7th attacks. Netanyahu stated that while there was a "great failure" on October 7th, it did not constitute "betrayal." He explained that the failure involved not waking him up due to miscalculation, despite clear warning signs prior to the attack. He explicitly stated that his wife did not claim there was a betrayal.

The controversy stems from remarks Sara Netanyahu made on Channel 14, which were interpreted by some as promoting conspiracy theories about the events of October 7th. Specifically, she questioned why the Prime Minister was not informed earlier, implying a potential lack of action by those responsible.

Earlier, a dispute escalated between Sara Netanyahu and Democratic Party Chairman Yair Golan. Netanyahu's attorney, Hor Uriyel Nizri, sent a letter to Golan refuting claims that Sara Netanyahu promoted conspiracy theories. The attorney asserted that her remarks were made sarcastically regarding individuals who failed to update the Prime Minister in a timely manner. He accused Golan and his party of cynically misrepresenting her words.

Nizri rejected Golan's demand for an apology and compensation, arguing instead that Golan's past statements against the Netanyahus could form the basis for a defamation lawsuit against him. The attorney cited Golan's "severe" remarks, which he claims go beyond legitimate political criticism and constitute libel.

Nizri demanded Golan issue a public apology and donate 100,000 shekels to the Eli preparatory program, threatening legal action if these demands were not met. The letter was sent after Golan had previously sent a pre-litigation notice to Sara Netanyahu, demanding a public apology and financial compensation for survivors of the Nova music festival, or face a lawsuit of at least 2.5 million shekels for defamation. Golan's legal team described Sara Netanyahu's statements as "slanderous and false" and intended to portray him as complicit in betrayal during an election period.