Democrats party chair Yair Golan filed a 2. 5 million NIS defamation lawsuit on Thursday against Sara Netanyahu, alleging that the Prime Minister's wife disseminated a false conspiracy theory during an interview on Channel 14. Golan claims that Netanyahu insinuated he possessed prior intelligence regarding the massacre that occurred on October 7, 2023. The lawsuit was filed at the Lod District Court by attorneys Giora Erdinast, Almog Gil-Or, and Yarden Shohat of the EBN firm.
According to the complaint, these remarks were made in an attempt to deflect responsibility from the political echelon for the disaster while damaging the reputation of Golan, who operated in conflict zones on the day of the massacre to save civilians. The suit claims that the publications led to a 450% surge in incitement against Golan on social media and resulted in concrete warnings from intelligence officials regarding threats to his life. The complaint further asserts that these tangible threats compelled Golan to significantly bolster his personal security arrangements ahead of the elections.
Legally, the claim includes a precedent-setting cause of action for "breach of statutory duty," based on the law prohibiting incitement to violence. Golan is requesting the court determine that Netanyahu's statements crossed the criminal threshold, seeking double damages without proof of loss for each publication. The suit notes that a consultant to the Prime Minister watched the interview before it was aired, which the plaintiffs argue indicates intent and prior planning.
Attorney Giora Erdinast emphasized that the comments endanger Golan's life and create a real threat. Yair Golan stated that these are lies spread as part of a political attempt to survive through smear tactics and cover-ups. As of the time of publication, the allegations have yet to be adjudicated in court.