Ex-Shin Bet Chief Bar Threatens Lawsuit Against Netanyahu Over Oct. 7 Blame

Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar has announced his intention to sue Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for defamation, escalating a public dispute over responsibility for the events leading up to the October 7th Hamas attacks. Bar also seeks to compel the disclosure of documents and meeting schedules related to Netanyahu's interactions with security officials and foreign dignitaries.

Bar's legal action follows Netanyahu's public accusations, made via social media, that Bar and the Shin Bet were responsible for intelligence failures preceding the attack. Bar vehemently denies these claims, asserting that he repeatedly warned Netanyahu of the "unprecedented danger" and the impending catastrophe. He alleges that Netanyahu is lying, distorting facts, and manipulating records to deflect blame from himself.

According to Bar's account, Netanyahu ignored his warnings and recommendations for border reinforcement and deterrence measures. Bar claims that on the night of October 7th, he, along with then-IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and head of Military Intelligence Aharon Haliva, discussed the indicators of the unfolding events.

Bar's decision to pursue legal action reportedly stems from Netanyahu's recent social media posts, which he views as a "vile and false campaign" by "left-wing media" to shift blame. Previously, Bar had indicated a preference for waiting for a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th events.

A significant legal hurdle for Bar's lawsuit is Netanyahu's immunity regarding statements made in his capacity as prime minister. This dispute surfaces amid reports, including one from The Atlantic, that an Egyptian intelligence chief visited Israel in late September 2023 to share crucial intelligence about Hamas's preparations for a major operation, which Netanyahu reportedly denied having direct or indirect communication about.