Yair Golan Sues Sara Netanyahu for Defamation Over Oct. 7 Remarks

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party and a retired Major General, has filed a defamation and tort lawsuit for NIS 2.55 million against Sara Netanyahu, the wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The lawsuit, submitted to the Central District Court in Lod, stems from remarks Netanyahu made in an interview with Channel 14, in which Golan alleges she implied he had prior knowledge of the October 7th Hamas attack.

Golan claims Netanyahu's statements are part of false conspiracy theories intended to damage his reputation. The lawsuit states these theories, originating from those seeking to evade responsibility for the "terrible disaster," are baseless and aim to incite against him, harming his honor and good name. It highlights Golan's military service and his actions on October 7th, when he went to the Gaza border region to assist and rescue civilians.

The lawsuit further alleges that following the interview, intelligence agencies issued concrete warnings of threats against Golan. A report submitted with the lawsuit indicates a 450% surge in incitement against him online, necessitating a significant increase in his private security arrangements ahead of elections.

Additionally, Golan's suit claims a Netanyahu advisor viewed the interview before its broadcast. The legal action is based not only on defamation but also on a "breach of statutory duty" under Article 144 of the Penal Code, which addresses incitement to violence. Golan seeks a court ruling that Netanyahu's words crossed the criminal threshold of encouraging violence, thereby violating a duty meant to protect his personal safety. He is also demanding double damages without proof of harm for each publication, citing premeditation and malicious intent.