Ronen Bar Levels Most Serious Accusation Against Netanyahu — PM Responds: “Lies”
In a written testimony submitted earlier today (Monday) to Israel’s Supreme Court, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to dismiss him last March after he refused to carry out directives involving surveillance of Israeli protesters and interference in Netanyahu’s corruption trial.
Bar stated that the dismissal attempt was politically motivated and lacked any professional basis. According to the testimony, published by the Attorney General’s Office, Bar wrote: “It was clear that in the event of a constitutional crisis, I would be expected to obey Netanyahu rather than the Supreme Court.”
Netanyahu’s Office Responds: “False Testimony”
In response, the Prime Minister’s Office dismissed Bar’s testimony as false, stating in a brief statement: “Ronen Bar submitted false written testimony to the Supreme Court today. It will be thoroughly refuted in due time.”
Attempted Dismissal Sparks Uproar in Israel
Netanyahu’s move to remove the head of Shin Bet sparked widespread protests across Israel. The Supreme Court later suspended the dismissal decision following objections from political oversight bodies and opposition lawmakers, who argued that the attempt was unlawful.
Accusations of Undermining Democracy
Critics have accused Netanyahu’s government of systematically undermining state institutions and threatening the foundations of Israeli democracy. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s Likud party accused Ronen Bar of acting against the Prime Minister and turning parts of the Shin Bet into a “private militia serving the deep state,” as they put it.
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