Former Shin Bet Chief Sues Netanyahu for Defamation Over Oct. 7 Blame

Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar filed a defamation lawsuit against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, seeking 3 million shekels in damages. Bar alleges that Netanyahu damaged his reputation by claiming Bar knew of warning signs before the October 7 Hamas attack but failed to inform the prime minister. Bar denies these accusations, asserting they are an attempt to shift blame for the security failures preceding the massacre.

In his lawsuit, Bar stated he issued multiple warnings about the Hamas threat in the months leading up to the attack. He also claims that intelligence gathered on the night of October 6-7 was passed to military officials and the Prime Minister's Military Secretariat, as per standard procedures. Bar acknowledged shortcomings within his service in anticipating the attack but denied intentionally withholding information from Netanyahu.

Netanyahu responded sharply to Bar's assertion that he did not have his personal phone number. "Ronen, are you serious?" Netanyahu questioned, pointing out that Bar identified the warning signs on the night of October 7 without calling him. The Prime Minister stated that Bar had his secure number and could also reach him through his permanent security detail, adding, "How many lives could we have saved if you had called me in time?"

Bar's legal action also seeks the disclosure of documents related to decisions made before October 7, as the dispute over responsibility for the security failures intensifies the ongoing tensions between the two men.