Intel chief: Netanyahu directed security service to surveil protestors
<b>Ronen Bar alleges he was dismissed by Israel’s PM due to lack of loyalty</b> The head of Israel's Shin Bet, the domestic intelligence agency, has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of terminating his position because he refused to...
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Ronen Bar alleges he was dismissed by Israel’s PM due to lack of loyalty
The head of Israel's Shin Bet, the domestic intelligence agency, has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of terminating his position because he refused to execute several illegal operations, which included surveillance on domestic protesters.
Ronen Bar was officially dismissed last month, with the government citing a lack of trust and the spy chief's purported failure to prevent the October 2023 Hamas attack as the reasons for his removal. This incident marks the first occasion in Israeli history where a domestic security chief was dismissed by the government. Nevertheless, the Israeli Supreme Court has issued an order freezing the dismissal.
In a detailed 31-page affidavit presented to the Supreme Court on Monday, Bar rejected the official rationale, asserting that it “does not lie in the professional realm but in a demand for personal loyalty” to Netanyahu.
Bar alleged that the prime minister intended for the Shin Bet to target citizens involved in protest activities and demonstrations against the government, with particular emphasis on monitoring “protest funders.”
Furthermore, Bar stated that he was instructed to disregard court rulings during a constitutional crisis and to yield to the prime minister's directives. He also claimed that he was pressured to assist Netanyahu, who is facing corruption charges, in avoiding a court appearance related to the case.
Simultaneously, Bar conceded to the Shin Bet's shortcomings leading up to the Israel-Hamas war and indicated his willingness to resign before the conclusion of his term.
Netanyahu is currently on trial for three corruption cases, where he is accused of receiving bribes and luxury gifts from media figures in exchange for supporting their financial interests. The prime minister has denied any wrongdoing.
In response to Bar’s affidavit, Netanyahu’s office described it as “full of lies,” asserting that Bar had “failed miserably” in his response to the Hamas attack.
Since the surprise assault by Hamas, Netanyahu has encountered widespread protests throughout the country. Many Israelis have held his government accountable for the failure to avert the deadly incursion and have criticized his management of the Gaza war. Demonstrations, including those led by families of hostages taken by Hamas, have called for Netanyahu’s resignation and for early elections.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
The head of Israel's Shin Bet, the domestic intelligence agency, has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of terminating his position because he refused to execute several illegal operations, which included surveillance on domestic protesters.
Ronen Bar was officially dismissed last month, with the government citing a lack of trust and the spy chief's purported failure to prevent the October 2023 Hamas attack as the reasons for his removal. This incident marks the first occasion in Israeli history where a domestic security chief was dismissed by the government. Nevertheless, the Israeli Supreme Court has issued an order freezing the dismissal.
In a detailed 31-page affidavit presented to the Supreme Court on Monday, Bar rejected the official rationale, asserting that it “does not lie in the professional realm but in a demand for personal loyalty” to Netanyahu.
Bar alleged that the prime minister intended for the Shin Bet to target citizens involved in protest activities and demonstrations against the government, with particular emphasis on monitoring “protest funders.”
Furthermore, Bar stated that he was instructed to disregard court rulings during a constitutional crisis and to yield to the prime minister's directives. He also claimed that he was pressured to assist Netanyahu, who is facing corruption charges, in avoiding a court appearance related to the case.
Simultaneously, Bar conceded to the Shin Bet's shortcomings leading up to the Israel-Hamas war and indicated his willingness to resign before the conclusion of his term.
Netanyahu is currently on trial for three corruption cases, where he is accused of receiving bribes and luxury gifts from media figures in exchange for supporting their financial interests. The prime minister has denied any wrongdoing.
In response to Bar’s affidavit, Netanyahu’s office described it as “full of lies,” asserting that Bar had “failed miserably” in his response to the Hamas attack.
Since the surprise assault by Hamas, Netanyahu has encountered widespread protests throughout the country. Many Israelis have held his government accountable for the failure to avert the deadly incursion and have criticized his management of the Gaza war. Demonstrations, including those led by families of hostages taken by Hamas, have called for Netanyahu’s resignation and for early elections.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
