Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Defends His Wife and Son Against Years of Defamation, Calls for End to Personal Attacks

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued an emotional statement defending his wife, Sara Netanyahu, and their son Yair Netanyahu, against what he described as “decades of slander, false accusations, and character assassination” by sections of the media and political opponents.

In a heartfelt message, Netanyahu said the attacks on his family have gone far beyond political criticism and amount to a “cruel and systematic campaign” aimed at harming him through those closest to him. “All this happens only because she is my wife — and the same goes for my son, Yair,” Netanyahu declared.

Praising Sara Netanyahu’s Public Service

The Prime Minister praised Sara Netanyahu as a “woman of valor” and “true hero,” highlighting her continued dedication to her profession as a child psychologist in public service — the only prime minister’s spouse in Israel’s history to do so while holding that role.

Throughout the ongoing conflict, he noted, Sara has been meeting with families of hostages, bereaved families, wives of reservists, and even released hostages, offering them support and comfort. Beyond her professional and humanitarian work, she has long been active in helping lone soldiers, children with cancer, Holocaust survivors, and families in distress, all while advocating for animal welfare.

President Donald Trump, Netanyahu mentioned, once called Sara the “secret weapon of Bibi,” in recognition of her intelligence, warmth, and diplomatic contribution during meetings with global leaders.

Condemning Media and Political Attacks

Netanyahu expressed deep frustration over what he described as “thirty years of relentless defamation and psychological warfare” against Sara. “She has endured endless lies and malicious lawsuits — a calculated campaign to destroy her character and manipulate public perception,” he said.

The Prime Minister also criticized Israeli media figures such as Yinon Magal and Amit Segal, accusing them of joining the “chorus of hostility” against his family. “I cannot understand their obsession with attacking my wife and son again and again,” he said.

Defending His Son Yair

Speaking about his son, Netanyahu said that Yair Netanyahu plays a vital role in the global advocacy for Israel, working tirelessly to counter misinformation about the country. “He faces constant attacks but continues to fight for the truth with deep patriotic love for Israel and the Jewish people,” the Prime Minister said.

He revealed that Yair has been the target of ridicule and slander since early childhood, including being mocked in satirical programs at the age of five. “The attacks never stopped,” Netanyahu lamented.

“An Attack on My Family Is an Attack on Me”

In one of the most personal passages of his message, Netanyahu stated:

“My family gives me the strength to continue leading the country. Any attack on them is an attack on me.”

He credited Sara with sacrificing her youth and personal peace to support his political journey and the state of Israel. “She paid a heavy personal price and endured an unprecedented campaign of defamation that no prime minister’s wife has faced in Israel — and perhaps anywhere in the world,” he said.

A Call for Respect and Unity

Netanyahu concluded his statement with a strong appeal to the public and media:

“It is time to say enough — enough with the slander, enough with the lies against my family.”

He thanked the many Israelis who have stood by Sara and Yair and acknowledged their ongoing support. “I am proud of my wife and my son, who stand bravely on the frontlines and remain strong even when the poisonous fire is directed at them,” he said.

“Sara and Yair, I love you. Thank you for all you do for me and for our beloved country.”

The statement, both political and deeply personal, underscores the ongoing tension between Netanyahu’s family and segments of the Israeli media — and reveals the emotional toll that decades of public life have exacted on Israel’s longest-serving leader and those closest to him.