Former Shin Bet Chief Avi Dichter Says Former Colleagues Cut Ties After October 7 Attacks

Avi Dichter, former head of Israel's Shin Bet and current Agriculture Minister, revealed in a radio interview on 103fm that his former colleagues in Shin Bet have severed contact with him and his wife following the October 7 attacks. Dichter expressed his disappointment, saying he was surprised to learn that some of his former unit members held left-wing political views, including involvement in the Peace Now movement. He stated, "I was assigned responsibility for the massacre and they cut ties. I was more hurt by the break with my wife than with them."

Dichter also addressed rumors about his relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing their long-standing acquaintance of 55 years. He dismissed attempts to create a rift between them as an old story, noting that Netanyahu personally spoke with him five or six years ago to clarify misunderstandings about his statements.

In the same interview, Dichter commented on the ongoing pilots' protest, expressing a preference for the Supreme Court to decide the matter rather than politician Itamar Ben-Gvir. His remarks highlight the political and social tensions following the recent attacks and the divisions within security circles.

Dichter's statements provide insight into the internal conflicts and political fractures within Israel's security establishment after the October 7 events, as well as his personal struggles with the fallout.