Ex-IDF Spokesperson Calls Netanyahu a "Terrifying Genius" Amid Lawsuit

Former IDF Spokesperson Avi Benayahu commented on Wednesday regarding a massive lawsuit filed by former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Benayahu suggested that Netanyahu would skillfully deflect the lawsuit and turn it against Bar, describing the Prime Minister as a "terrifying genius." Benayahu predicted Netanyahu would focus attention on whether Bar possessed a "red or black phone line" and continue with a narrative of "why wasn't I woken up," portraying himself as a superhero.

The lawsuit, filed at the Central District Court, seeks NIS 3 million in damages. Bar's filing against Netanyahu comes after the Prime Minister accused Bar in a tweet of "failures and crimes," alleging Bar knew of a "real danger" on October 7th but decided not to contact Netanyahu, warn emergency forces, or evacuate the Nova music festival, instead sending only a "small tequila team." According to the lawsuit, Bar also presented initiatives to thwart Hamas leaders, but these warnings and plans were allegedly ignored by Netanyahu.

Bar's lawsuit states its purpose is not to evade responsibility but to counter Netanyahu's defamatory publications that attempt to shift blame onto him. "As one who headed the service, I bear responsibility for the Shin Bet's part in failing to provide the required intelligence on the October 7th attack and its timing," a statement from Bar read. "Accordingly, with bowed head to the bereaved families, I resigned from my position. We fought, thwarted Hamas leaders in Gaza and Lebanon, and returned hostages in daring Shin Bet operations and determined negotiations."

Bar also stated he waited three years for an investigative committee to reveal the Shin Bet's actions and failures amidst what he called a "continuous blood libel." He decided to speak out due to the Prime Minister's "unbridled outburst" to show the public the motives behind such "improper behavior." The lawsuit details that in the months preceding the disaster, Bar reportedly warned Netanyahu almost weekly about an impending multi-arena outbreak, specifically highlighting the Gaza Strip and the High Holidays. Bar presented initiatives to eliminate Hamas leaders, but these warnings and plans were allegedly dismissed or ignored by Netanyahu. The lawsuit further claims Netanyahu pursued a "peace at all costs" policy in Gaza for years, including explicit directives to maintain quiet, postpone confrontations, treat Gaza as a secondary arena, and preserve Hamas as the governing entity. This policy allegedly included financing Hamas's military buildup through Qatari funds, contrary to the Shin Bet's long-standing position, based on the assumption that Hamas was deterred, a view directly opposed by Bar. Any attempt by Bar to influence policy was reportedly "blatantly blocked" by Netanyahu.