Netanyahu Feared Personal Harm From Targeted Killings, Ex-Shin Bet Chief Claims

Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar alleges in a lawsuit that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed concerns about personal harm resulting from targeted assassinations, fearing a "balancing of the equation" by enemies against him. Bar is suing Netanyahu for NIS 3 million, claiming the Prime Minister spread false accusations against him following the October 7th Hamas attack. Bar asserts that Netanyahu falsely accused him of knowing about the imminent threat and failing to warn the Prime Minister and security forces, a claim Bar says was intended to deflect responsibility for the massacre.

Bar's lawsuit details security discussions held in the months preceding October 7th. He claims Netanyahu's responses to his recommendations ranged from fears of personal repercussions from targeted killings to prioritizing his and his family's security. Bar also describes a security discussion that shifted to protests against public figures, a recommended preemptive strike that was postponed, and approvals for assassinations that were not acted upon before October 7th.

According to the lawsuit, in May 2023, Bar recommended expanding targeted assassinations to restore Israeli deterrence, presenting intelligence that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was undergoing a "messianic process." Bar suggested a precise opening strike could shorten a conflict and reduce casualties. However, Netanyahu reportedly worried that such actions would lead enemies to target him personally.

In February 2023, Bar sent Netanyahu a letter warning of a "perfect storm" due to internal Israeli divisions over judicial reform and Palestinian instability. Netanyahu's response, as per the lawsuit, emphasized the Shin Bet's role in protecting the Prime Minister and his family, rather than addressing the broader security concerns.

Further allegations include a September 2023 security cabinet meeting where Bar warned of an abnormal security situation, but the discussion was redirected to protests against public officials after Netanyahu instructed to maintain quiet during the holidays. A recommendation for a preemptive strike after the holidays was made in September, but a discussion on advancing assassinations, approved by Netanyahu on October 1st, was reportedly never convened.

Bar also claims he warned of a "combined terror attack" from Lebanon, Gaza, and Iran in August 2023 and recommended offensive actions, but Netanyahu focused on the need to address the terror command in Gaza without taking further action. Even before Netanyahu took office in November 2022, Bar claims he informed him of a prepared operation to assassinate Sinwar that was not advanced.