Gaza Genocideupdated 1h ago3 min read
Ronen Bar Sues Benjamin Netanyahu Over Claims He Knew About October 7 Attack In Advance
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Bar filed a defamation lawsuit alleging Netanyahu falsely claimed Bar knew of Oct. 7 attack. Bar asserts he issued at least 20 warnings and shared intel with Netanyahu's office before the attack.
5 outlets told this the same way.
Bar sues Netanyahu
Former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar filed a libel suit against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Central-Lod District Court on Wednesday, arguing Netanyahu falsely accused him of knowing about the October 7 attack in advance and withholding warnings. Bar filed a NIS 3 million defamation lawsuit alleging Netanyahu falsely accused him of knowingly failing to inform the political leadership, warn IDF troops and local security teams, or evacuate the Nova music festival. Bar’s legal response details at least 20 warnings on Gaza’s security situation and provides evidence the service did share intel with Netanyahu’s office hours before Hamas’ attack.
Bar argued Netanyahu received repeated warnings about the risk of a major security escalation but continued pursuing a policy of restraint toward Hamas, and Bar sought disclosure of documents detailing intelligence assessments and security discussions in the months preceding the massacre. Bar wrote, "As the head of the service, I bear responsibility for the Shin Bet's failure to provide the intelligence required regarding the October 7 attack and its timing," and added that he resigned from his position.
Warnings, timing, and dispute
Bar presented his account of warnings he delivered to Netanyahu throughout 2023 and intelligence developments in the hours before Hamas launched its attack, while Bar acknowledged the Shin Bet failed to provide the intelligence necessary to prevent the massacre. Bar rejected Netanyahu’s allegation that the Shin Bet concealed information about an imminent threat and claimed the agency distributed an alert at 3:03 a.m. on October 7 to Israel's security organizations, including the military, police and National Security Council. Bar also instructed his staff to update Netanyahu's military secretary at the time, Avi Gil, in accordance with the communication procedures used by the Prime Minister's Office.
Netanyahu claimed key intelligence was withheld from him in the lead-up to the attacks, preventing him from taking the necessary countermeasures to prevent it. Netanyahu’s office denied the Egyptian warning reports and stated, "No early message came from Egypt and the prime minister did not speak or meet with the intelligence chief since the establishment of the government — not indirectly or directly," as the election approached.
Gaza policy and election stakes
Bar’s lawsuit challenged Netanyahu’s broader policy toward Gaza, which Bar characterized as an approach of "quiet at any cost," and Bar alleged Netanyahu favored avoiding military confrontation while allowing Hamas to remain the governing authority in the territory. Bar further claimed Netanyahu supported continued Qatari funding to Gaza despite Shin Bet warnings that some of the money was contributing to Hamas' military buildup, and Bar said intelligence presented to Netanyahu indicated funds intended for civilian needs also supported tunnel construction and weapons procurement. The question of Netanyahu’s responsibility for the October 7 disaster had become a central animating force in Israeli politics since Hamas terrorists poured into southern Israel three years ago.
The allegations about ignored warnings have the potential to swing what is shaping up to be a close-run election campaign against the prime minister. Bar asked the court to order the disclosure of relevant documents and meeting records held by Netanyahu, and Bar alleged Netanyahu’s opposition to establishing a state commission of inquiry is intended to keep the facts from the public.