Former Minister Benny Begin Slams Netanyahu Over Oct. 7 "Inside Betrayal" Conspiracy Theory

Former Likud minister Benny Begin has sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the "inside betrayal" conspiracy theory surrounding the October 7th Hamas attacks. The controversy was reignited by remarks from Netanyahu's wife, Sara Netanyahu, who questioned how opposition leader Yair Golan was prepared to assist civilians early on October 7th, implying the Prime Minister was not. In response, Netanyahu released a video stating there was no betrayal on October 7th, but a "big failure." He also claimed security officials decided not to wake him that night due to a "miscalculation" to avoid "angering Hamas."

Benny Begin, son of former Prime Minister Menachem Begin and a former Likud member himself, decried the current government's leadership as unprecedentedly ugly and pathetic. He argued that Netanyahu is preventing a state inquiry commission, mandated by law, from investigating the failures of October 7th. This, Begin stated, paralyzes the ability to learn from the events and draw necessary conclusions.

Furthermore, Begin accused Netanyahu of exploiting the resulting confusion to spread baseless accusations against military and Shin Bet commanders. He specifically cited Netanyahu's response when asked about the "inside betrayal" theory, where the Prime Minister suggested it "should have been investigated." Begin also referenced Netanyahu's recent explanation that security officials intentionally did not wake him, implying they "betrayed their mission." Begin questioned this, asking, "You paralyzed and also lied?!"

Begin emphasized that all government members bear responsibility for the failure, with particular responsibility on the National Security Cabinet and ultimate responsibility on the Prime Minister. He concluded by stating that in his 65 years of voting, he has never witnessed such ugliness and pathetic leadership, urging citizens to vote on election day, October 27th.