Netanyahu Denies Knowledge of Orich's Qatar Ties, Defends Himself in Multiple Probes
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied allegations from former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar regarding prior knowledge of the October 7th massacre. He also stated his close advisor Yonatan Orich had no access to classified information concerning Qatar. Netanyahu rejected proposals for an inquiry commission into the October 7th events, favoring a US-style parity model. He reiterated his belief that his own criminal trial is a "political hunt" and a fabricated case.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu denied allegations of prior knowledge of the October 7th massacre by former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.
- Netanyahu stated his advisor Yonatan Orich had no access to classified information regarding Qatar.
- The Prime Minister rejected proposals for an inquiry commission into the October 7th events.
- Netanyahu described his own criminal trial as a "political hunt" and a fabricated case.
- He proposed a parity commission for investigating the October 7th events, but the opposition refused.
- Netanyahu claimed former AG Avichai Mandelblit approved his indictment with a scanned signature.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed several key issues in an interview on Kan 11's "Shiva Im Ayala Hasson" program, speaking for the first time about a defamation lawsuit filed against him by former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. Bar accused Netanyahu of spreading a blood libel, alleging the prime minister knew about the October 7th massacre, failed to warn, and even prevented information from being transferred, attaching a detailed timeline of warnings prior to the disaster. Netanyahu rejected these accusations, stating that the intelligence he received did not include a specific warning about Gaza, but rather focused on potential flare-ups related to the judicial reform.
During the interview, Netanyahu was questioned about the ties of his close advisor, Yonatan Orich, with Qatar. The Prime Minister asserted that he was unaware of the details and that Orich was not exposed to classified information, stating Orich was "outside the door" and not briefed. He explained that legal counsel advised him against inquiring further due to legal restrictions. Netanyahu criticized the investigation into Orich, calling it a "political hunt" similar to his own ongoing trial.
Addressing the establishment of an inquiry commission for the October 7th events, Netanyahu rejected both a governmental review and a state commission, arguing the latter is not truly "state-like" and is led by Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit, whom he described as having clear political views. Netanyahu proposed a parity commission, similar to the US model after 9/11, with equal representation from the coalition and opposition, but noted the opposition rejected this proposal.
In the final part of the interview, Netanyahu discussed his criminal trial, describing the proceedings as a "political hunt" aimed at toppling a strong right-wing prime minister. He claimed criminal offenses were committed by the prosecution and police, and suggested former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, whom he appointed, approved the indictment with a scanned signature without reading it. When asked if his case was fabricated, Netanyahu stated unequivocally that he "knows" it was, calling the alleged conspiracy "crudely stitched and unraveling."
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