Netanyahu Denies Betrayal on Oct. 7, Cites 'Major Failure'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a social media video Tuesday that there was no "betrayal" on October 7, but rather a "major failure." He explained that the failure manifested in decisions made the night before and morning of the attack, where signs were present but ignored to avoid "angering Hamas" and to prevent him from being alerted. Netanyahu clarified that this was a failure, not a betrayal, and that his wife, Sara Netanyahu, also did not claim there was a betrayal.

His remarks followed an interview given by Sara Netanyahu on Channel 14, where she questioned the need to inform the Prime Minister about an impending war and sarcastically asked about the role of Democratic Party Chairman Yair Golan. She expressed opposition to a state inquiry commission and, when asked about the betrayal theory, stated she didn't know and that a "real commission" should investigate.

In response to Sara Netanyahu's comments, Yair Golan sent a legal notice threatening a defamation lawsuit. The notice alleged she echoed "conspiracy theories and slanderous and false accusations" and demanded a public apology and compensation within 24 hours, with funds to be donated to survivors of the Nova music festival. Failure to comply would result in legal action seeking at least 2.5 million shekels.

Sara Netanyahu responded to the legal notice, calling the claims "wild lies." She also demanded an apology, public clarification, and deep regret from Golan for allegedly distorting her words and for the "siege and confinement" she experienced at a hair salon on March 1, 2023. Additionally, she demanded the removal of publications and 100,000 shekels in compensation within 48 hours related to the Eli pre-military academy.