Ex-Israel Football Coach Slams Netanyahu, Government Over October 7 Failures

Former Israel national football team coach Shlomo Sharf, whose granddaughter Mei Naim was murdered at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, has sharply criticized the Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking on 103FM radio with hosts Barak Sari and Eli Ohana, Sharf expressed his grief and anger three years after the massacre, particularly lamenting the lack of a state commission of inquiry.

Sharf recounted the tragic events of October 7, detailing how he learned of his granddaughter's death. She had planned to attend the Nova party but initially told him she had sold her tickets. Later that day, his son informed him that Mei was indeed at the festival. He described how Mei and her friends were directed by police to a shelter in Kibbutz Be'eri, unaware it had been overrun by Hamas terrorists. Tragically, they were killed outside the shelter by gunfire and grenades after it became overcrowded.

Expressing his frustration with the government's response, Sharf questioned what opposition leaders like Naftali Bennett or Yair Lapid would have done if they were in power during such a disaster. He stated that Netanyahu should have resigned on the day of the massacre and accused him of being a "criminal" and a "traitor" whose hands are "stained with the blood of the children." Sharf also criticized the government for attempting to reframe the events as a "war of revival" rather than a massacre and condemned celebrations held at the Nova site.

Radio host Eli Ohana interjected, comparing the situation to the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in the US, where the president did not resign. Sharf, however, maintained his stance, asserting that Netanyahu had received warnings and was aware of the impending danger, dismissing claims of being caught off guard. He called for Netanyahu to step down immediately, stating that he had "finished his public service" and that a new, democratic government was needed to rectify the country's numerous failings.

Sharf also criticized the decision to hold a celebration at the Nova memorial site, calling it a "shame and disgrace." He reiterated his belief that the country is in a state of "existential danger" and that nothing is functioning correctly. He expressed hope that Ohana would eventually agree that the current prime minister and government must be replaced.