Ex-Shin Bet Chief Sues Netanyahu for $800,000 Over Oct. 7 Claims
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar is suing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for 3 million shekels in defamation over claims that Bar had prior knowledge of the October 7th attack and failed to act. Bar's lawsuit asserts he repeatedly warned Netanyahu throughout 2023 about escalating threats, including a specific "warning of war" in July. While acknowledging his own service's failures, Bar seeks to counter Netanyahu's accusations in court, as no state inquiry commission has been formed.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar filed a 3 million shekel defamation lawsuit against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- The lawsuit stems from Netanyahu's claims that Bar had prior knowledge of the October 7th attack and failed to warn security forces.
- Bar alleges he issued repeated warnings to Netanyahu throughout 2023, including a "warning of war" in July.
- Bar acknowledges his own responsibility for the Shin Bet's failures regarding the October 7th attack.
- Bar stated the lawsuit aims to reveal the truth in court due to the absence of a state inquiry commission.
Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar has filed a defamation lawsuit for 3 million shekels (approximately $800,000) against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The lawsuit, submitted to the Central District Court, stems from a social media post in which Netanyahu accused Bar of "failures and crimes" and alleged that Bar knew about a serious threat before the October 7th attack but failed to update the Prime Minister or warn security forces.
In his lawsuit, Bar presents his account of events, asserting that he repeatedly conveyed warnings to Netanyahu throughout 2023. He details two significant series of warnings: one in March and April 2023, during the period of protests against judicial reform, Ramadan, and Passover, which he claims led then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to deliver a cautionary speech that preceded his initial dismissal. The second series of warnings, according to Bar, began in July 2023, when he allegedly told Netanyahu, "I am giving you a warning of war." Subsequent weekly warnings, including those before the High Holidays, specifically addressed threats from Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, and Hamas.
Bar further claims that Netanyahu not only ignored these warnings but also prohibited him from independently meeting with the Defense Minister or other ministers on the matter. Netanyahu, according to Bar, stated that "the Shin Bet is not responsible for shaping national strategy for the State of Israel."
While presenting his case against Netanyahu, Bar also acknowledges his own responsibility for the failures leading up to October 7th. He stated, "As the head of the service, I bear responsibility that the Shin Bet failed in its part in providing the required intelligence on the October seventh attack and its timing. Accordingly, with bowed head, I resigned from my position."
Bar explained that he waited three years for a state inquiry commission but decided to file the lawsuit due to the Prime Minister's statements, stating, "In the absence of a state inquiry commission, the truth will be revealed in court. A little light will dispel much darkness." The lawsuit also addresses the night of October 7th, with Bar claiming that contrary to information concealment allegations, a warning was sent to all security bodies by 3:03 AM, and the Prime Minister's office's military secretariat was updated. Bar asserts these events are documented in the Shin Bet's situation room logs. The original documents supporting the lawsuit have not yet been published, and Bar has requested permission from the court and the chief censor for their release.
