Sara Netanyahu claims opposition leader knew about Oct. 7 in advance

• Golan’s party condemned the remarks as defamatory and misleading, while Golan said he intends to file a defamation lawsuit against Sara Netanyahu.

Sara Netanyahu, wife of 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, provoked widespread outrage Monday across 'Israeli' political circles after promoting conspiracy theories suggesting an opposition leader had prior knowledge of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack. 

In a televised interview broadcast on the right-wing 'Israeli' Channel 14, Sara Netanyahu targeted Yair Golan, former deputy chief of staff of the 'Israeli' military and current leader of the opposition "The Democrats" party. 

She claimed that Golan was "dressed and ready" early in the morning on Oct. 7, insinuating without evidence that he was aware of the impending operation while "no one else knew, including the prime minister". 

The insinuations come as political infighting inside the 'Israeli' political entity intensifies ahead of legislative elections scheduled for Oct. 27, 2026. 

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Golan threatens defamation lawsuit 

Golan’s party vehemently condemned Sara Netanyahu's remarks as "slanderous and lying," stating on social media that "spreading conspiracy theories against Major General Yair Golan crosses a red line bordering on madness". 

Speaking to 'Israeli' Army Radio on Tuesday morning, Golan announced his intention to file a formal defamation lawsuit against Sara Netanyahu, noting that the prime minister's wife holds no legal immunity.

Former military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, a prominent rival to Netanyahu, condemned what he termed the "mad treason theory" promoted by the prime minister's wife, saying that such claims are aimed solely at inciting hatred to prolong Netanyahu's political survival.