Journalist Debunks Conspiracy Theories About Yair Golan's Actions on Oct. 7

A detailed report by Kan News correspondent Roee Yanovsky has sought to dismantle conspiracy theories circulating online regarding retired Major General Yair Golan's actions on the morning of October 7th. Yanovsky addressed claims that Golan was "prepared and dressed so early" by explaining that Golan, like many other reservists and civilians, headed south after the initial air raid sirens sounded at 6:29 AM and news of the Hamas infiltration spread. He clarified that Golan was not privy to any information before Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Regarding accusations about Golan's weapon and equipment, Yanovsky stated that Golan texted the Home Front Command chief and arranged to pick up his weapon and gear from the command's headquarters. Yanovsky also debunked a widely shared photograph allegedly showing Golan smiling next to a Hamas vehicle. Oz Davidian, who rescued many from the Nova music festival, explained that he asked for a selfie after the rescue, and the van seen in the reflection of Golan's glasses was his own, not a Hamas vehicle, though it resembled one.

To counter claims that Golan did not rescue anyone, Yanovsky cited numerous witnesses, including journalists like Omri Maniv and Sharon Idan who documented Golan in the field. He also mentioned journalist Nir Gontaz, whose son Golan helped locate and rescue based on real-time location data, and Roni Gaon, whose son and friends were also rescued by Golan. Golan also joined a Maya'alom team operating in the area.

Yanovsky sarcastically addressed the notion of "ironed uniforms," suggesting either that unused uniforms remain pristine or that Golan, after supposedly coordinating with Hamas before the massacre, would then iron his clothes. The report comes amid a public controversy sparked by an interview given by Prime Minister Netanyahu's wife, Sara Netanyahu, to Channel 14. In the interview, she questioned how Golan was dressed so early on October 7th, echoing conspiracy theories about his prior knowledge of the attack. Golan's lawyers subsequently sent a libel warning letter seeking NIS 2.5 million and a public apology, to which Netanyahu responded with a counter-warning, while the Prime Minister himself stated he does not believe there was betrayal on October 7th.