Ex-Shin Bet Official Criticizes Netanyahu Over Bar Controversy
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Former senior Shin Bet official Ilan Lotan criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the controversy surrounding Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. Lotan stated that communication protocols are strict and that Netanyahu's claims of not being informed echo past patterns. He suggested the timing of legal actions against Bar might be linked to recent accusations against Netanyahu. Lotan believes the situation underscores the need for a state inquiry commission.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Former Shin Bet official Ilan Lotan criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the Ronen Bar controversy.
- Lotan stated that security communications to the PM follow strict protocols via the military secretary.
- He suggested Netanyahu's claims of not being informed are a recurring pattern in serious incidents.
- Lotan interpreted Netanyahu's stance as an accusation of treason against Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.
- He believes the situation highlights the need for a state inquiry commission.
- Lotan noted similar criticisms of Prime Ministers by past security chiefs like Meir Dagan and Tamir Pardo.
Former senior Shin Bet official Ilan Lotan sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the ongoing controversy involving Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. Speaking on 103FM, Lotan stated that the issue is secondary and that one must look back 20 years to understand the context. He emphasized that any communication from a security chief to the Prime Minister follows a strict protocol, passing through the military secretary, who decides whether to relay the information. Lotan asserted that the Prime Minister does not communicate directly via WhatsApp with heads of security agencies and that there is a well-established procedure for the Prime Minister's office.
Lotan interpreted Netanyahu's actions as accusing Bar of treason, suggesting that the Prime Minister implies Bar intentionally concealed information about an impending severe attack. He drew a parallel to Netanyahu's repeated claims of "I didn't know," "they didn't tell me," or "I didn't hear," which he described as a recurring mantra in serious Israeli incidents. Lotan believes the current situation highlights the importance of a state inquiry commission.
Addressing the timing of the lawsuit against Bar, Lotan speculated that it might be a response to accusations of treason leveled against Netanyahu in the past month. He noted that similar criticisms regarding a Prime Minister's performance, including alleged indecisiveness, have been made against Netanyahu by previous security chiefs like Meir Dagan and Tamir Pardo, not always before elections.
