Ex-Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar to Sue PM Netanyahu Over Pre-War Warnings

Former Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar announced Monday he has instructed his lawyers to file a defamation lawsuit against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Bar is demanding the release of documents related to warnings provided to Netanyahu before the October 7th Hamas attack, including his meeting schedules with security officials and foreign dignitaries. Bar also intends to summon Netanyahu's aides and office staff as witnesses.

Bar's announcement follows earlier statements by Netanyahu. Amid reports that former Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel had warned Israel of an impending attack from Gaza, Netanyahu denied meeting or speaking with Kamel in the months leading up to the massacre. He also stated that no Israeli intelligence official conveyed an Egyptian warning to him and announced his own intention to file a defamation suit on the matter.

In his statement, Netanyahu accused Bar of discussing warning signs with senior security officials the night before the attack but failing to contact the Prime Minister, alert forces in the field and emergency response teams, or order the evacuation of the Nova music festival. Bar vehemently rejected these claims, asserting that Netanyahu is conducting a "shameless and baseless incitement campaign" against him and has selectively released misleading documents.

Bar maintains that during his tenure, he warned the Prime Minister of severe danger, but Netanyahu ignored his alerts and recommendations. Bar did not provide any supporting evidence for his claims. He stated that he had initially preferred to await the establishment of a state inquiry commission but decided to pursue legal action due to the Prime Minister's remarks. Bar called on Netanyahu to publish all documents concerning pre-attack warnings and indicated that the lawsuit would seek to summon those he believes were involved in disseminating false and defamatory information against him.