Yair Golan Sues Sara Netanyahu for $680,000 Over Hamas Attack Conspiracy Claims

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, has filed a defamation lawsuit for 2.5 million shekels (approximately $680,000) against Sara Netanyahu. The lawsuit, submitted to the District Court in Lod, stems from remarks Netanyahu made during an interview on Channel 14, where she allegedly implied Golan had prior knowledge of the October 7th Hamas attack.

Golan's lawsuit asserts that Netanyahu's "conspiracy theories" are false and intended to incite against him, harming his reputation. The filing highlights Golan's actions on October 7th, stating he "endangered his life and saved civilians in the Gaza envelope," contradicting the narrative that he had foreknowledge.

The lawsuit further claims that concrete warnings were received from intelligence sources about intentions to harm Golan following the interview. A report cited in the suit indicates a 450% surge in online incitement against him, necessitating significantly enhanced private security measures as elections approach.

Attorneys for Golan argue that Netanyahu's remarks crossed the criminal threshold of inciting violence, violating the law against defamation and the duty to protect personal safety. The suit seeks punitive damages, including double compensation without proof of damage, due to alleged premeditation and malicious intent.

Golan stated, "Paranoia, it turns out, is a family business. Netanyahu keeps lying and covering up. As the political rope tightens around his neck, he becomes more dangerous." He characterized the accusations as a "despicable and base attempt" to distort reality and save himself.

Attorney Giora Ardinest added, "These are words of incitement that spill Yair Golan's blood and put him in tangible danger." He clarified that Golan, like all Israelis, was awakened by alarms on October 7th and acted to help civilians, and that such incitement will not go unanswered.