Netanyahu and Ex-Shin Bet Chief Bar Trade Accusations Over Hamas Deal and Oct. 7 Warnings
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are engaged in a public dispute over a proposed Hamas settlement plan and pre-October 7th warnings. Bar claims Netanyahu rejected conditions for a deal, while Netanyahu's office denies this, calling it a Shin Bet plan. The conflict escalates with Bar's defamation lawsuit against Netanyahu, alleging the Prime Minister falsely blamed him for intelligence failures and ignored numerous warnings of an impending attack. Netanyahu counters by questioning Bar's actions on the night of October 7th.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of rejecting conditions for a Hamas settlement deal before October 7th.
- Bar has filed a 3 million shekel defamation lawsuit against Netanyahu, alleging false claims about his knowledge of the October 7th attack.
- Netanyahu's office denies Bar's claims, calling them a "complete lie" and stating the plan was a Shin Bet initiative.
- Bar's lawsuit details numerous warnings he issued to Netanyahu throughout 2023 about Hamas's intentions and potential attacks.
- Netanyahu questions why Bar did not contact him directly on the night of October 7th if he had critical information.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed in a recent interview that former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar presented a plan for a settlement with Hamas on October 5, 2023, two days before the October 7th attacks. However, a report from Channel 13 revealed that Netanyahu had asked Bar to formulate the plan. Bar reportedly proposed two conditions: the return of four hostages and an end to terror incitement from Gaza. Netanyahu allegedly refused to include these conditions in the plan. Sources close to Bar stated this is part of Netanyahu's "deception campaign against the public." The Prime Minister's office responded, calling the report a "complete lie" and asserting it was a Shin Bet plan aimed at maintaining quiet in Gaza and increasing humanitarian aid and worker permits.
This exchange follows a defamation lawsuit filed by Bar against Netanyahu for 3 million shekels. Bar alleges Netanyahu falsely claimed he knew about a "real danger" on the night of October 7th and deliberately failed to inform the Prime Minister. Bar's lawsuit includes details of warnings provided by the Shin Bet throughout 2023, including recommendations for "liquidation waves" against Hamas leaders, which Bar claims Netanyahu ignored. Bar stated he waited three years for an investigation committee and decided to speak out due to Netanyahu's "unbridled outburst," asserting that in an era of leadership based on lies, only decisive action can restore truth.
Bar's lawsuit acknowledges the Shin Bet's partial failure in providing timely intelligence for the October 7th attack, stating he bears responsibility and resigned accordingly. The suit argues that it is not an attempt to evade responsibility but rather to counter Netanyahu's "defamatory fabrication" aimed at shifting his own accountability. The article details numerous warnings from Bar to Netanyahu throughout 2023, including concerns about Yahya Sinwar's intentions, increased terror alerts, and the potential for a multi-front conflict, often met with directives from Netanyahu to avoid escalation or preserve Hamas's status.
Netanyahu, in his response, questioned Bar's claim of not having his direct number on the night of October 7th, stating Bar could have used emergency channels or security personnel to reach him, potentially saving lives. Bar's lawsuit also highlights his opposition to transferring Qatari funds to Gaza, warning they were used to finance Hamas, build tunnels, and support terrorists. The Shin Bet, under Bar, had reportedly prepared a plan to assassinate all Hamas leaders simultaneously.
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