Yair Golan Sues Sara Netanyahu for $680,000 Over Oct. 7 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 attacks.

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 ahead of the elections.

Attorneys for Golan argue that Netanyahu's remarks crossed the criminal threshold of inciting violence, violating a legal duty to protect his personal safety. The suit seeks punitive damages, including double compensation without proof of damage for each publication, 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 noose tightens around his neck, he becomes more dangerous." His attorney added, "These are words of incitement that spill Yair Golan's blood and put him in tangible danger." The lawsuit also points to a Netanyahu advisor allegedly reviewing the interview before broadcast as proof of premeditation.