Netanyahu's Wife Fuels Conspiracy Theories Amid Election Campaign

Ynet columnist Nadav Eyal analyzes conspiracy theories voiced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife, Sara Netanyahu, suggesting they are part of a disinformation campaign. Eyal posits that the timing of these theories, released nearly two months before elections, is likely due to poor poll numbers and serious allegations of mistreatment of staff by Sara Netanyahu.

Sara Netanyahu appeared on a pro-Netanyahu television channel, fueling claims of "betrayal" among the military. While Benjamin Netanyahu denied spreading such theories, his wife's interview questioned when opposition leader Yair Golan learned of the October 7th events, implying he knew before the Prime Minister. Eyal argues this narrative aims to equip Netanyahu's supporters with justifications for his perceived failures on October 7th.

Eyal suggests two potential narratives for Netanyahu's supporters: one alleging actual betrayal within the IDF involving Golan, and another suggesting the Prime Minister was deliberately kept uninformed. He criticizes Netanyahu's repeated claims that security forces had "many" signs of an impending Hamas attack, calling it a "gross lie or error" that demonstrates a misunderstanding of the intelligence failure.

The article further contends that Netanyahu is escalating accusations from "negligence" to "treason," a charge punishable by death, potentially inciting dangerous sentiments. Eyal refutes any notion of treason, stating there is no evidence Netanyahu or anyone in the security system collaborated with Hamas during the massacre. He emphasizes that while failures occurred, they were not acts of criminal intent.

Eyal then presents what he calls the "truly terrible conspiracy theory" which he asserts is the truth: Netanyahu was warned about funds going to Hamas for developing the Nukhba unit, repeatedly refused Shin Bet requests to assassinate Yahya Sinwar (whom he released), ignored four intelligence warnings from AMAN in July 2023 about Israel's perceived weakness, and failed to act on a war warning from the Shin Bet chief in the same month. The article also notes that Netanyahu's office allegedly received money from Qatar, a Hamas sponsor, after the war began, and that Netanyahu continues to defend individuals involved. Eyal concludes that responsibility for October 7th should not be partisan, and the Prime Minister bears absolute responsibility as the head of state.