Netanyahu uses October 7 conspiracy theories in election campaign

With the Israeli legislative elections scheduled for October 27, 2026, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, are facing scrutiny for using conspiracy theories regarding the October 7, 2023, attacks as a political tool.

Benjamin Netanyahu has accused military officials of deliberately failing to wake him on the morning of the Hamas attacks, suggesting a form of internal betrayal. This rhetoric aligns with a growing sentiment among his base; an August 2026 poll indicated that 63% of coalition supporters suspect internal betrayal related to the massacre, compared to 40% of the general Israeli population.

Sara Netanyahu has also targeted opposition leader Yaïr Golan, an ex-general, insinuating he was suspiciously prepared for the attacks. This contrasts with reports of Golan’s actions on October 7, where he is credited with personally taking up arms and saving several people at the Nova festival. The strategy comes as the governing coalition faces declining poll numbers.