Netanyahu Expresses Concern Over Election Polls, Defends Actions Pre-Oct. 7
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed worry over upcoming elections, calling the current situation a "tie" and urging right-wing voters to support Likud. He also addressed a NIS 30 million defamation lawsuit filed by former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, who accuses Netanyahu of making false claims about his actions before the October 7th attack. Netanyahu dismissed Bar's claims and questioned his explanation for not having direct contact, while Bar's suit alleges ignored strategic warnings. The Prime Minister also discussed the visit of Egypt's intelligence chief before October 7th and the leak of his advisor's communications, attributing both to political motives.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is worried about the upcoming elections, calling the race a tie.
- Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar filed a NIS 30 million defamation lawsuit against Netanyahu.
- Netanyahu dismissed Bar's claims of ignored warnings before the October 7th attack as "absurd."
- Bar's lawsuit alleges Netanyahu made "crimes" and propagated conspiracy theories about his pre-Oct. 7 conduct.
- Netanyahu confirmed a visit by Egypt's intelligence chief before October 7th but denied meeting him.
- Netanyahu dismissed leaks of his advisor's communications as politically motivated "fake" storms.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed significant concern over the current political landscape and upcoming elections, stating, "I am very worried. I am busy with other things but right now I am worried, because right now it's a tie. I am trying to encourage right-wing voters to vote for Likud." He made these remarks during an interview with Ayla Hasson on Kan 11, days before the 26th Knesset elections.
The interview also addressed the defamation lawsuit filed against Netanyahu by former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. Bar is suing for NIS 30 million, alleging Netanyahu accused him of "crimes" related to his conduct before the October 7th massacre and propagated conspiracy theories that Bar was aware of a genuine danger that night. Netanyahu dismissed the lawsuit, stating, "He can sue for 30 million shekels too." He questioned Bar's claim of not having his direct "red phone" number, calling it an "absurd excuse" for the head of the Shin Bet.
Bar's lawsuit claims he provided strategic warnings about war in November 2022 and again on October 1st, 2023, but received no response from the Prime Minister. Netanyahu countered that he submitted nearly a thousand documents to the State Comptroller refuting Bar's claims and accused Bar of not cooperating with the investigation. Netanyahu further alleged that security officials discussed a potential escalation around the time of the judicial reform crisis, specifically excluding Gaza and believing Hamas was seeking a deal, and that Bar's actions halted the comptroller's report.
Netanyahu also commented on the visit of Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel shortly before October 7th, confirming the visit but stating he did not meet with Kamel. He questioned who Kamel did meet with, noting that obtaining security camera footage from Ben Gurion Airport is complicated as it is managed by a private company. Netanyahu added that Egypt denies having passed on any warning. Regarding the establishment of a state inquiry commission, Netanyahu explained he proposed a bipartisan committee, but the opposition refused, suggesting some parties are unwilling to uncover the truth.
Finally, Netanyahu addressed the leak of communications from his advisor, Yonatan Aurich, dismissing it as a "daily storm" and "fake" political maneuvering. He denied Aurich attended any security meetings or cabinet sessions, stating a judge had found no security issue and that Aurich had been greatly wronged. He reiterated his concern about the election outcome, emphasizing that the result depends on the turnout of right-wing voters.
Mentioned
