Netanyahu's Claim About Not Having PM's Number Sparks Widespread Online Mockery
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar's assertion that he lacked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's phone number has triggered widespread online ridicule in Israel. Social media users created memes and jokes, questioning how a top security official wouldn't have the PM's contact details. The humor ranged from mock calls to directory assistance to satirical commentary on intelligence capabilities. This incident adds to public discussion surrounding Bar's tenure and his interactions with Netanyahu.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar claimed he did not have Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's phone number.
- Bar's statement sparked widespread online mockery, with users creating memes and jokes.
- Social media users questioned how a top security official lacked the Prime Minister's contact information.
- Humorous reactions included mock calls to directory assistance and satirical commentary.
- The incident occurred amidst ongoing public scrutiny of Bar's tenure and relationship with Netanyahu.
A claim by former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar that he did not have Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's phone number has ignited a wave of humorous reactions and jokes across Israeli social media. Internet users have seized upon Bar's statement, creating memes, satirical dialogues, and fictional book covers to mock the situation.
Many users offered to help Bar find the Prime Minister's number, while others expressed astonishment that the head of a sensitive security agency would not possess direct contact information for the premier. The reactions highlight a perceived disconnect or lack of communication between the two top security figures.
Among the viral posts was a mock dialogue where Bar supposedly calls the 144 directory assistance to ask for Netanyahu's number, only to be met with a bureaucratic question about the area code. Media personalities also joined the fray, with Meni Assayag humorously suggesting Bar couldn't call because he ran out of "talk time cards," referencing old payphone calling cards. Journalist Noam Fathi joked that Bar thought the "red phone" was for contacting the post office.
Further commentary included sharp observations, such as media personality Amichai Shilo's remark that while Bar could allegedly eavesdrop on half the residents of Israel and neighboring countries, he couldn't obtain Netanyahu's number. Another user, Eli Yashiv Briner, sarcastically offered his own number in case the former Shin Bet head needed it. Visual creations, like a mock book cover titled "Cellular Golden Pages" featuring Bar's face, also circulated widely.
The online mockery comes amidst ongoing legal and public scrutiny surrounding Bar's tenure and his relationship with Netanyahu, particularly concerning events leading up to and during the October 7th attacks.
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