Journalist Slams Sara Netanyahu's Interview as Self-Absorbed and Lacking Empathy

Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, recently gave an interview to Channel 14's Tal Meir, discussing her family's experiences amidst public criticism, her husband's trial, the events of October 7th, and the upcoming elections. She claimed that she and her children have been under constant threat, stating her children "grew up under a campaign of persecution" and paid a "very heavy price."

Following the interview, journalist Akiva Novick, host of a current affairs program on Reshet Bet, sharply criticized Sara Netanyahu's remarks. Novick accused her of being detached from the realities faced by Israelis, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7th massacre. He stated, "I saw in this conversation how she is only concerned with herself. She talks about herself, how she is miserable, persecuted, and a victim. She has no ability to understand empathy, to feel empathy for others, to understand that there is pain in the world that is not her pain. It's almost sociopathic."

Novick contrasted Netanyahu's perspective with the suffering of numerous Israeli families, highlighting children who lost fathers in the war and the widespread psychological distress and destruction caused by the conflict. He expressed disappointment, noting that as someone who identifies as a child psychologist, she should exhibit more empathy and sensitivity.

Instead, Novick observed that Netanyahu's responses consistently deflected blame, focusing on her own perceived victimhood, criticizing the media and staff, and making what he called "delusional and disturbed conspiracies." He lamented that she seemed to use the right-wing political identity for personal gain, stating, "It's really a personal matter and it's just very sad to see."