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

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Movement party, has filed a lawsuit for 2.55 million shekels (approximately $680,000) against Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The suit stems from an interview on Channel 14 where Sara Netanyahu allegedly promoted a conspiracy theory suggesting Golan had prior knowledge of the October 7th Hamas attacks.

Golan claims that Netanyahu's statements portrayed him as a "traitor to his homeland," leading to a 450% surge in online incitement against him and increased threats to his life. The lawsuit, filed after Netanyahu refused to apologize and threatened a countersuit, asserts that a Netanyahu advisor previewed the interview, indicating, according to Golan, a "premeditated plan to incite violence."

The legal action goes beyond defamation, seeking civil damages for alleged violation of criminal statutes against incitement to violence. Golan's legal team argues that Netanyahu's words, which allegedly marked him as a traitor, significantly amplified threats to his safety, including concrete threats that prompted warnings from intelligence officials. The increased hostile discourse online necessitated enhanced security measures, the costs of which are included in the lawsuit.

Golan criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu, stating, "Paranoia, it turns out, is a family business. Netanyahu doesn't stop lying and covering up. As the political noose tightens around his neck, he becomes more dangerous." He further asserted that Netanyahu would cross any line when feeling his power slip away, calling the situation a "despicable and base attempt" to which they are putting an end.

The lawsuit contends that the conspiracy theories were maliciously crafted to incite against Golan, damage his honor, and harm his reputation. It highlights Golan's past security service and his actions on October 7th, when he traveled to the Gaza border area to assist and rescue civilians. Golan is seeking double damages without proof of harm for each publication, citing premeditation and malicious intent.