Netanyahu Denies Betrayal Before Oct. 7, Cites Decision-Making Failure

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently denied allegations of betrayal preceding the October 7th Hamas attacks, instead characterizing the events as a significant failure in decision-making. Speaking during an online broadcast on Wednesday, Netanyahu addressed a controversy sparked by statements attributed to his wife, Sara Netanyahu, and accusations directed at Yair Golan concerning the October 7th events.

"Complete nonsense. I've been asked this before and answered it several times. 'Do you think there was betrayal?' I said, no, I don't think there was betrayal," Netanyahu stated. He elaborated that while certain signals were received on the night and morning before the attack, the decision was made not to wake him or take preemptive action. The rationale, according to Netanyahu, was a fear that such a move could escalate the confrontation with Hamas. "It's a failure, but it's not betrayal," he emphasized, adding that his wife also did not claim there was betrayal.

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, swiftly responded to the Prime Minister's remarks, deeming his explanation insufficient. "You 'don't think,' Bibi? You know perfectly well there was no betrayal," Golan wrote on social media. He continued, "On October 7th, we went out to save lives while you froze. A true leader does not stumble when faced with bloody slander, he apologizes to the fighters and condemns the lies that emanated from the home."

Golan concluded his critique by stating that Netanyahu's announcement was not an apology but an attempt to minimize damage. The article also briefly mentions a prior report about Avigdor Lieberman setting conditions for a future government.