Former Shin Bet Chief Bar to Sue Netanyahu Over Pre-Oct. 7 Warnings

Ronen Bar, the former head of the Shin Bet security agency, intends to file a defamation lawsuit against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Bar also seeks access to testimonies and documents related to information conveyed to the prime minister before the October 7th Hamas attacks, as well as records of Netanyahu's meetings with security officials and foreign entities. Bar stated his aim is to reveal what was discussed prior to the October 7th events and plans to summon Netanyahu's aides to testify, accusing the prime minister of a "manipulative campaign" and incitement not based on reality.

Bar criticized Netanyahu for refusing to take responsibility and form an official inquiry into the failures leading up to October 7th over the past three years. He accused Netanyahu of selectively releasing partial documents out of context to deflect attention, especially as testimonies emerge about warnings the prime minister received before the attacks. This dispute highlights the ongoing conflict over pre-October 7th intelligence and whether political leadership was adequately warned, with each side maintaining its narrative on responsibility and documentation.

In a separate development, the Prime Minister's Office announced that the Shin Bet filed a formal complaint against Channel 12 for allegedly violating military censorship regulations. The Shin Bet claimed that reporting on Netanyahu's visit, including its timing and execution details, endangered the prime minister, his entourage, and field forces by revealing operational methods. The statement indicated the report put Netanyahu, his wife, and the delegation, which included the Mossad chief, National Security Advisor, and military secretary, at risk.

The Shin Bet's complaint specifically targets the timing of the leak, noting the flight was announced at 9:38 PM while still abroad and landed in Israel around 10:27 PM. The Mossad assessed the leak as a "grave security threat to the safety of the Prime Minister and the accompanying delegation," deeming it a serious incident that harmed Israel's national security.