Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, has issued a legal warning to Sara Netanyahu, wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding a public apology within 24 hours or face a defamation lawsuit valued at NIS 2.5 million. The letter, sent on Tuesday, also calls for Sara Netanyahu to contribute to a fund supporting survivors of the Supernova music festival attack.

The dispute centers on comments made by Sara Netanyahu during a Monday evening interview on Channel 14, where she suggested that Golan possessed prior knowledge of the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Her remarks echoed conspiracy theories alleging betrayal by certain Israeli figures, although no evidence was provided to substantiate the claims.

Golan has strongly denied these accusations. He was reported to have responded swiftly on the morning of the attacks by donning his military uniform and traveling south from his home in central Israel to assist victims at the Supernova festival site, where Hamas militants carried out a deadly assault. His prompt action contradicts the implication that he had advance warning.

In the interview, Sara Netanyahu questioned Golan’s account of events, stating, “When you are a military officer of such a high rank and claim that you fought on October 7, you were already there early in the morning, already dressed and prepared; at a very early hour, when others...[cut off].” This framing suggests that Golan was unusually forewarned, fueling the defamation claim.

Legal experts note that accusations of prior knowledge in such sensitive security contexts carry significant weight and potential legal consequences in Israel. Golan’s demand for both a public apology and financial restitution, directed toward survivors of the attack, underscores the seriousness with which he is treating the allegations.

The Supernova music festival attack, which occurred on October 7, resulted in numerous casualties and has been a focal point of national trauma and controversy. The incident has sparked various political disputes, including disputes over responses and accountability among Israeli leaders and officials.

As of now, Sara Netanyahu has not publicly responded to the legal warning. The case may set a precedent for addressing inflammatory allegations related to the October 7 attack and political figures’ conduct in its aftermath.