Netanyahu Mocks Former Shin Bet Chief's Lawsuit Over Oct. 7th Call
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticized former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar's defamation lawsuit, questioning Bar's claim of not having his number on October 7th. Netanyahu stated Bar had his direct line and could have called, potentially saving lives. Bar's lawsuit alleges a smear campaign by Netanyahu to deflect blame for the Hamas attack, presenting evidence of repeated warnings given throughout 2023. The case may hinge on whether Netanyahu's statements are protected by parliamentary immunity.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu questioned former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar's claim of not having his phone number on October 7th.
- Netanyahu stated Bar could have used his direct line or Shin Bet guards to contact him immediately.
- Bar filed a defamation lawsuit against Netanyahu, alleging a smear campaign to shift blame for the Hamas attack.
- Bar's lawsuit includes evidence of repeated warnings given to Netanyahu throughout 2023, including a "warning of war" in July.
- The lawsuit's outcome may depend on whether Netanyahu's statements are protected by parliamentary immunity.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fiercely responded Wednesday to a defamation lawsuit filed against him by former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, particularly addressing Bar's claim that he did not have the Prime Minister's phone number on the night of October 7th. "Ronen Bar, who saw the warning signs on the night of October 7th and did not call me, says today he didn't have my phone number," Netanyahu wrote. "Ronen, are you serious?" The Prime Minister asserted that Bar possessed his direct "red phone" number and could have reached him immediately, as is standard practice for security officials. "The Shin Bet security guards, your subordinates, who are with me 24/7, could have reached me within minutes," he added. Netanyahu concluded with a sharp message: "How many lives could we have saved if you had only called on time."
Bar's lawsuit was filed against Netanyahu in the Central District Court, alleging a smear campaign through false publications about the Shin Bet's performance before and during the Hamas attack. Bar claims these publications aimed to shift responsibility for the failures away from the Prime Minister and onto security officials. As part of the lawsuit, Bar revealed documents and evidence he claims prove a "series of repeated warnings" given to Netanyahu throughout 2023. He stated that in one conversation in July 2023, he told Netanyahu, "I am giving you a warning of war." Bar also claimed to have proposed using an explosive drone for an assassination attempt on Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir.
A preliminary legal question may impact the lawsuit's fate: whether the statements forming the basis of the claim are protected by parliamentary immunity. Section 1 of the Knesset Members Immunity Law grants MKs substantive immunity from civil and criminal liability for statements made in the line of duty.
