Nova Party Security Chief Sues Shin Bet Head Ronen Bar for NIS 2.5 Million

Elkana Federman, who served as the security chief for the Nova music festival, has filed a personal lawsuit seeking 2.5 million shekels against Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet security agency on October 7. Federman alleges that crucial information gathered on the night of October 6 was not passed to the relevant authorities who could have acted, leading to the massacre. He stated, "I see him as the main responsible party for the failure of this massacre."

Federman explained his decision to pursue this legal avenue in an interview, noting that the amount sought is relatively modest due to court fee considerations. He highlighted that numerous warning signs, including intelligence codenamed 'Green Net,' were active on October 6, and Bar had even deployed a special unit that night. Federman expressed frustration that three years have passed without Bar being investigated, prompting him to seek justice through a civil lawsuit.

While the lawsuit is personal, Federman urged other survivors and bereaved families of the Nova massacre to follow his lead and file similar lawsuits against Bar. He described the immense personal pain he has endured since October 7, with friends murdered, and feels it is time for accountability. Federman clarified that as the security chief responsible for the festival's security personnel, he was not the direct recipient of intelligence regarding Hamas's attack preparations. Instead, this information should have gone to the police commander of the Ofakim station, or at least been shared with the police commissioner. Federman believes that if the festival had been evacuated, many lives would have been saved, the surrounding area would have been cleared, and the event could have been prevented. He accused Bar of arrogance, claiming Bar decided unilaterally not to inform anyone and to handle matters alone, making him the primary culprit.

Regarding the timing of the lawsuit, Federman mentioned he filed a complaint against Bar over a year ago for investigation, but no action was taken. He is also advocating for a state inquiry commission, but prefers one composed of bereaved families, security personnel not involved in the events, and public figures who can investigate impartially. Federman asserted that three years have passed, and neither Bar nor anyone else has paid for their alleged crimes against the Israeli people. He stated that Bar's resignation does not bring back his friends or heal the wounded, and it is time for him to face justice. Federman encouraged other victims to consider legal action, either individually or as a class action, emphasizing the need for action as survivors and families continue to bear the cost while those responsible appear to be moving on with their lives.