Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar to sue Benjamin Netanyahu for defamation
Ex-Shin Bet director Ronen Bar announced plans to file a defamation suit against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of ignoring a warning of an imminent disaster.
Ronen Bar said he will pursue legal action against Benjamin Netanyahu, alleging the prime minister spread false claims to shift blame for Bar's alleged mistakes. Bar described the accusations as part of an unchecked campaign of incitement. He also claims Netanyahu dismissed his earlier warning about a looming catastrophe. The dispute follows Netanyahu’s recent remarks that media reports of prior warnings were a smear effort. Bar’s lawsuit seeks to clear his reputation.
Why it matters
The lawsuit pits Israel's top security former chief against the prime minister, raising questions about accountability and political rhetoric.
How this story developed
- Sep 1 Israeli prime minister's wife faces libel claim over Oct. 7 accusations
- Sep 11 Israeli leaders announced that the Hezbollah tunnel network on Ali Taher ridge had been destroyed.
- Sep 11 Golan has filed a defamation lawsuit against Sara Netanyahu.
- Sep 11 Israel announced it will continue striking Hezbollah sites after the tunnel demolition.
- Sep 19 Netanyahu pledged legislation to strip citizenship from those who “defame” soldiers.
- Sep 22 Mayor Zohran Mamdani reiterated his view that Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal, noting the ICC’s arrest warrant but acknowledging he cannot detain the Israeli leader.
- Sep 23 Israel's Central Elections Committee barred the Joint List from the upcoming Knesset election, prompting the alliance to label the move racist and vow a Supreme Court appeal.
- Sep 24 The electoral commission has acted on two Arab party lists.
- Sep 24 Netanyahu announced he will use his UN appearance to directly attack New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
- Sep 24 Netanyahu delivered the UN address and a large walkout occurred.
- Sep 26 The film’s worldwide theatrical rollout began late September and a free online streaming launch was announced for November.
- Sep 28 Netanyahu held a private hour‑long meeting with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi and asked him to publicly reject the allegation that the UAE had warned Israel of the Oct 7 attack.
- Sep 28 UAE's state news agency confirmed that Netanyahu arrived in Abu Dhabi for a high‑level meeting with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
In this story
Related stories
43 in this thread