PM Netanyahu's wife accuses senior military chiefs of coup attempt
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The families of captives objected to Netanyahu's statements by reminding her she could not express mistrust in the military, as the fate of captives hinged on it.
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Israeli mounted police officers disperse demonstrators blocking a road during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and call for the release of captives held in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, occupied Palestine, Saturday, June 22, 2024 (AP Photo)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife Sara Netanyahu stirred controversy during a recent meeting with the families of captives by accusing senior Israeli military officers of attempting a coup against her husband, as reported by Haaretz on Tuesday.
In a tense gathering last week with representatives of captives' families, Sara Netanyahu expressed repeated distrust in the military's senior commanders, claiming that they were actively plotting to undermine her husband's leadership.
Taken aback by her allegations, the families objected by reminding her she could not express mistrust in the army, as the fate of captives hinged on it.
Clarifying her remarks, Netanyahu specified that her lack of confidence was directed specifically at senior commanders rather than the army as a whole.
She doubled down on her accusation of coup intentions, stressing this assertion multiple times during the heated discussion.
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Among those present at the meeting were IOF officers Col. (res.) Varda Pomerantz, head of the Captives, Missing Persons, and Wounded Soldier Division, and Gal Hirsch, a bereaved mother representing the Captives and Missing Families Forum.
The meeting occurred shortly after an incident involving the Prime Minister's son, Yair Netanyahu, who criticized IOF's leadership in a public video over the weekend. Yair Netanyahu labeled Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, and former Military Intelligence Director Aharon Haliva as "fatal failures."
Afterward, Yair Netanyahu wrote on X, "What are they (army chiefs) trying to hide? If there was no betrayal, why are they so afraid that external and independent parties will check what happened?"
Sara Netanyahu's office, in response to the events, said, "Since the beginning of the war, Mrs. Netanyahu has been working on her own initiative for the families of the captives, the bereaved families, the families of the murdered and all circles associated with this difficult war, and helps as much as she can."
"Therefore, the blow of the false, trending, and incessant leaks on Mrs. Netanyahu is a heinous injustice. Despite the voices that try to harm her and loosen her hands, Mrs. Netanyahu will continue her activities for those who were harmed in the war and pray for the speedy return home of all 120 captives."
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