Netanyahu's Past Affair Revealed by Ex-Lover Ruth Bar

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's past extramarital affair with psychologist and strategic consultant Ruth Bar has resurfaced following the publication of her book, "Brain Under Influence." Bar, who worked with Netanyahu during his early political career in the late 1980s and early 1990s, details their relationship and offers a psychological and political analysis of his character and methods.

The affair became public knowledge on January 14, 1993, when Netanyahu himself confessed to the relationship on live television. He claimed at the time that political rivals within the Likud party were attempting to blackmail him with evidence of the affair. The confession caused a significant stir in Israel, which then had only one television channel. Reports suggest Netanyahu's wife, Sara, temporarily separated from him after the revelation, though he later returned to the family.

Bar's book reportedly details how Sara Netanyahu was informed of the affair and received a threat to release a tape proving the relationship, prompting Netanyahu's public confession. Bar describes Netanyahu as having an "early, deep sense of superiority" and an understanding of media's influence. She also links his past tactics against rivals to what she calls his current "poison machine" against political opponents.

Jordanian political analyst Raja Talab described Bar's testimony as "historical and pivotal," calling her insights particularly significant for understanding Israeli politics. The affair, known as the "hot tape case," occurred over three decades ago but continues to draw attention as Bar emerges from media silence to share her experiences.