Netanyahu responds to Ronen Bar's libel suit, says ex-Shin Bet chief could have called him on Oct. 7
In a libel suit filed against the prime minister, Ronen Bar detailed at least 20 warnings to Netanyahu's office hours before Hamas' attack. 'How many lives could we have saved if you had only called in time?' Netanyahu said in response
Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar has filed a defamation lawsuit against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for shifting blame regarding the October 7 attacks. According to the lawsuit, Bar presented weekly warnings about potential escalations, particularly targeting the Gaza Strip during the Jewish High Holidays, but Netanyahu rejected both the warnings and proposed plans to target senior Hamas officials.
The lawsuit claims Netanyahu pursued a policy of "quiet at any cost," including funding Hamas' military wing and allowing Hamas to remain in power, despite Bar's objections. Bar alleges that Netanyahu blocked his attempts to influence policymaking and that he resigned after the massacre, stating he would not remain silent in the face of a "blood libel."
The lawsuit asserts Netanyahu's repeated accusations are malicious and false, meant to conceal the truth from the public. Bar is seeking full disclosure of documents and demanding a state commission of inquiry to uncover the facts, in order to protect the memory of fallen personnel and prevent a cycle of lies and fear.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Netanyahu strikes back at ex-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar over Oct. 7 contact claims in lawsuit jpost.com
- Former Shin Bet chief suing Netanyahu: 'Fabricated blood libel in attempt to shift blame for October 7' haaretz.com
- 'Blood libel:' Ex-Shin Bet chief sues Netanyahu for NIS 3 million israelnationalnews.com
