Israeli spy chief accuses Netanyahu of pressuring him to break the law

Tuesday 22 April 2025 - 16:20

By: Zahouani Ilham

Israeli spy chief accuses Netanyahu of pressuring him to break the law

The head of Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, Shin Bet, has claimed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to dismiss him for refusing to carry out unlawful operations that would serve the prime minister’s personal and political objectives.

In an affidavit submitted to Israel’s Supreme Court, Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar stated that Netanyahu had pressured him to use the agency against Israeli citizens involved in anti-government protests. Bar alleged that Netanyahu sought specific actions, including monitoring those financially backing the demonstrations.

This legal testimony came after Netanyahu attempted to fire Bar in March, citing a loss of trust following Hamas's October 2023 attack, which triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, Bar countered that the prime minister’s move was based on a series of disagreements dating back to November 2024, including his refusal to help Netanyahu avoid testifying in his ongoing corruption trial, where he faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

Bar also pointed out that Shin Bet was actively investigating suspicious financial ties between Netanyahu’s office and Qatar, a nation playing a crucial mediation role in the Gaza conflict. Critics argue that Netanyahu’s decision to remove Bar was a tactic to obstruct that inquiry, which could pose serious legal risks for the prime minister.

In addition, Shin Bet was probing potential government negligence related to warnings before the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on southern Israel, which resulted in over 1,100 deaths and approximately 250 hostages. Over 50 hostages remain in Gaza.

The Gaza conflict has led to more than 51,000 reported deaths, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. Netanyahu’s government, backed by hardline Zionist factions, has faced intense scrutiny for its unwillingness to negotiate a ceasefire or secure the release of the hostages.

Responding to the affidavit, Netanyahu’s office rejected Bar’s claims, labeling them “falsehoods” and accusing the intelligence chief of failing in his duties during the Hamas attack. It also dismissed allegations that the attempt to fire Bar was linked to the Qatar-related investigation, asserting instead that the probe aimed to prevent the dismissal—not the other way around.