Ex-Shin Bet Chief's Lawsuit Prompts Criminal Probe Demand Against Netanyahu

The conflict between former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has escalated, with the Movement for Quality of Government demanding a criminal investigation into Netanyahu. This follows Bar's NIS 3 million defamation lawsuit against the Prime Minister and allegations raised within it. The movement has petitioned the Attorney General, State Attorney, Police Commissioner, and head of the Investigations Division, citing two main suspicions against Netanyahu: using governmental powers for personal reasons at the expense of security interests, and attempting to prevent Bar from submitting a sworn affidavit to the Supreme Court regarding his dismissal.

The movement argues that if Netanyahu's alleged pressure aimed to prevent crucial facts from reaching the court, it could constitute obstruction of justice. This is not the first time the organization has approached law enforcement; they previously submitted similar requests starting in April 2025, following Bar's affidavit to the High Court of Justice concerning petitions against his dismissal. The movement is urging the Attorney General to authorize an investigation, emphasizing the public and security importance of the allegations.

Bar's lawsuit was filed in response to Netanyahu's accusations of "crimes" and conspiracy theories suggesting Bar knew about the October 7th attack in advance and withheld information. Bar, who accepts responsibility for his service's role in the intelligence failure and notes his resignation, stated he turned to the courts because a state commission of inquiry was not established and to counter a smear campaign blaming security officials. He revealed detailed warnings given to Netanyahu in the months preceding the attack, particularly concerning the spring holidays and July-September 2023, about a severe erosion of Israeli deterrence, Hamas leader Sinwar's messianic tendencies, and recommendations for targeted eliminations and preventive measures.

Bar claims Netanyahu rejected these recommendations, adhering to a "peace at all costs" strategy and allowing Hamas to become the de facto ruler of Gaza, even with continued Qatari funding that intelligence indicated was used for tunnel construction and military buildup. Regarding the events of October 7th, Bar vehemently denies withholding information, stating an alert was disseminated to all security bodies by 3:03 AM and the Prime Minister's military secretary was to be updated. The lawsuit also details a breakdown in command, with Netanyahu never providing Bar his direct mobile number, insisting on intermediaries, and forbidding direct contact with then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Netanyahu reportedly did not return Bar's calls or intervene even after the attack began.

Bar further clarifies that Netanyahu is attempting to shift responsibility for areas outside the Shin Bet's purview, such as IDF operations, civilian event security, and emergency volunteer squads. The lawsuit, also touching on tensions regarding Netanyahu's advisors and alleged attempts to use the Shin Bet against political protests, demands the disclosure of classified protocols and documents from the decision-making period. Bar calls on Netanyahu to forgo parliamentary immunity, asserting that in the absence of a state inquiry mechanism, the court is the venue for truth to emerge.