Bereaved Families File Criminal Complaint Against Netanyahu

Families of Israelis killed in the October 7th Hamas attacks have filed a criminal complaint against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The complaint, submitted to the State Attorney General and the head of the Police Investigations and Intelligence Department, alleges criminal offenses related to presenting false information to the public, handling pre-war warnings, and the prime minister's actions regarding funds transferred to the Gaza Strip.

The complaint cites, among other sources, investigative reports by journalist Ronen Bergman in Yedioth Ahronoth, an interview with Major General Avi Gill on Channel 12, and a libel suit filed against Netanyahu by former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. The families also refer to a 55-page document Netanyahu submitted to the State Comptroller in December 2025, detailing his account of the October 7th events. They claim this document is false and misleading, intended to deceive the public and investigators.

Specifically, the complaint asserts that Netanyahu misrepresented the security establishment's stance on Hamas, falsely accusing its leaders of favoring a policy of containment. It also disputes Netanyahu's claims about Hamas's "Jericho Wall" raid plan, stating that details of the plan, including a large-scale infiltration, were presented to him over the years.

Furthermore, the complaint addresses intelligence warnings received before the massacre. It alleges that Netanyahu rejected proposals for targeted assassinations in Gaza and did not approve actions despite warnings about the danger. The families also claim Netanyahu provided misleading information about aid funds transferred to Gaza, particularly concerning Qatari funds, and was aware of their transfer and potential consequences.

The document suggests that if proven, the presentation of false information could constitute offenses of obtaining something by fraud under aggravated circumstances against the State Comptroller and the public, as well as fraud and breach of trust. The families are also seeking an examination into whether Netanyahu concealed security information and warnings prior to October 7th, including those related to aid transfers to Gaza.