Benny Begin Slams Netanyahu Over October 7 Conspiracy Theories and Evading Responsibility

The "treason from within" conspiracy theory surrounding the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre has sparked a fierce public and political storm in Israel. The controversy, reignited by remarks from Sara Netanyahu, the Prime Minister's wife, prompted former Likud minister Benny Begin to launch a scathing public attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"Such ugliness injected by the government into our public life, such wretchedness in the leadership of the state, has never been seen before," wrote Benny Begin, 83, the son of Israel's sixth Prime Minister and Likud founder Menachem Begin.

The Spark of the Controversy

The latest political clash began after Sara Netanyahu questioned how Yair Golan, leader of The Democrats party, was able to mobilize so quickly on the morning of October 7 to rescue citizens. She wondered how he was "already dressed and ready early in the morning... while others did not know, such as the Prime Minister."

In response to the growing backlash, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video statement clarifying his position:

"There was no treason on October 7; there was a major failure."

However, Netanyahu went on to claim that professional security officials decided not to wake him on the night preceding the attack due to a "miscalculation—not to anger Hamas." Critics immediately accused the Prime Minister of fueling conspiracy theories by implying that vital intelligence was intentionally withheld from him.

Benny Begin's Sharp Critique

Benny Begin, who left the Likud party in 2021, addressed the issue in a public post titled "To the Public's Judgment." He invoked the legacy of his late father, Menachem Begin:

"Many years ago, my father and teacher taught me: 'Evading responsibility is irresponsibility. It contradicts all morality.' These straightforward words, which referred to events from 80 years ago, are fully realized in the Netanyahu government, with an addition."

Begin accused the Prime Minister of double standards and deliberate obstruction:

• Blocking the Truth: Begin stated that Netanyahu is actively preventing a proper investigation by refusing to establish a state commission of inquiry, thereby paralyzing the nation's ability to learn from the failures of October 7.

• Spreading Accusations: Begin argued that Netanyahu is exploiting the resulting lack of clarity to launch baseless accusations against IDF commanders and the Shin Bet.

"When asked about the 'treason from within' blood libel, Netanyahu answered: 'They should have investigated it.' Or, in his recent explanation, they intentionally did not wake him up that night, from which the listener is meant to understand that they betrayed their mission. To this, one must ask: Have you paralyzed and also lied?" Begin wrote.

Accountability and the Upcoming Elections

Begin emphasized that the IDF and the Shin Bet operate under the authority of the government, meaning the ultimate responsibility lies with the political leadership.

"It is self-evident that all members of the government are responsible for this terrible failure. Special responsibility lies with the members of the National Security Cabinet, and the supreme responsibility lies with the Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. What is not clear here?"

Concluding his post, Begin noted that he first voted 65 years ago for the Herut movement, before Likud was even established. He called on the public to make their voices heard in the upcoming Knesset elections scheduled for October 27, 2026.