Netanyahu Denies Betrayal Over Oct. 7 Failures, Golan Criticizes

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed controversy surrounding his wife, Sara Netanyahu, and claims of betrayal related to the October 7th Hamas attacks, stating definitively that there was no betrayal. Speaking during a live broadcast to followers on Wednesday, Netanyahu dismissed the allegations as "nonsense." He acknowledged a severe lapse in judgment before the attack, explaining that warning signs were received but action was withheld to avoid escalating tensions with Hamas.

"It was a failure, but it was not betrayal," Netanyahu emphasized, adding that his wife also never claimed betrayal. He characterized the claims as "just nonsense," noting the terrible price paid for the failure.

Meretz party leader Yair Golan sharply criticized Netanyahu's remarks shortly after, calling the clarification insufficient. "You 'don't think' Bibi? You know perfectly well there was no betrayal," Golan wrote. "On October 7th, we went out to save lives while you froze. A true leader does not stutter in the face of blood libel; he apologizes to the fighters and condemns the lies that came from his home."

Golan concluded his response by attacking Netanyahu, stating, "This statement by Netanyahu is not an apology, but an attempt to minimize damage."