Netanyahu's Wife Sparks Outrage Over Use of Border Police in New Year Video

Sara Netanyahu, wife of the Prime Minister, is once again at the center of public controversy following the release of a New Year's greeting video filmed in the Western Wall tunnels in Jerusalem. The video, intended to wish Israelis a happy new year, features Netanyahu accompanied by Border Police officers. This depiction has ignited widespread anger on social media, with accusations of using security forces for political propaganda and campaign purposes.

The criticism comes despite clear directives from the IDF Chief of Staff prohibiting the use of soldiers and fighters as "extras" or background elements in political events and pre-election campaigns. Many social media users questioned how the video aligned with this policy. Journalist Uri Misgav sharply criticized the use of police and soldiers, stating, "I'm not even talking about the free, improper, and illegal use of police and soldiers as extras in the campaign backdrop of the crazy couple, I'm talking about the fact that for years a non-normal and dangerous reality has been normalized here. One woman, without an official role and legal authority, whom not one person in the country or the Prime Minister's Office dares to confront and set boundaries for."

This incident adds to a series of recent controversies involving the Prime Minister's wife. These include a defamation lawsuit filed by Yair Golan, stemming from an interview where she allegedly hinted at a conspiracy theory that the "Democrats" chairman knew about the October 7th attack in advance. Additionally, a new workplace bullying lawsuit has been filed against her by an employee of the Prime Minister's Office cafeteria. Reports also emerged of an incident where she was seen yelling at the Prime Minister and his staff during the Maccabiah Games ceremony, alongside significant public backlash over the approval of lifelong security detail and the removal of expense caps for official residences.