Ex-Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar to Sue Netanyahu for Defamation

Former Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar announced on Monday that he intends to file a defamation lawsuit against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The suit stems from what Bar's office described as a "reckless and baseless incitement campaign" by Netanyahu against the former head of the security agency.

Bar is demanding the disclosure of all documents, meeting schedules, and intelligence warnings provided to Netanyahu prior to the October 7th Hamas attacks. He also seeks to summon members of the Prime Minister's Office and his aides to testify, alleging they are assisting Netanyahu in a "manipulative campaign."

According to a statement from Bar's office, Netanyahu has refused for three years to acknowledge responsibility for the events of October 7th and has obstructed the establishment of a state inquiry commission. The statement claims Netanyahu is now attempting to deflect blame by accusing Bar, who had warned the Prime Minister of an impending disaster and recommended strengthening the border, of ignoring these warnings.

Bar's office stated that while he initially believed it was appropriate to wait for an official commission, the "sequence of lies" and "manipulation of protocols" by the Prime Minister regarding the extent of warnings received before October 7th cannot be allowed to continue. The lawsuit aims to reveal the full truth to the public without manipulation, protect the memory of the fallen, and uphold the honor of Shin Bet personnel.

Bar is calling on Netanyahu to immediately release all relevant documents so the public can see the complete truth. The statement concluded by asserting that victories are achieved by attacking external enemies, not by targeting internal security forces.