A recent court affidavit from Ronen Bar, the head of Israel’s domestic security service Shin Bet, has raised serious allegations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming that Netanyahu urged him to conduct illegal surveillance on anti-government protesters and their financial backers. Bar also accused the Prime Minister of demanding personal loyalty to him over adherence to the law during a constitutional crisis, further deepening the political turmoil in Israel.
Israeli Security Chief Alleges Netanyahu Misconduct Amid Domestic Turmoil
Israeli Security Chief Alleges Netanyahu Misconduct Amid Domestic Turmoil
Affidavit reveals attempts by the Prime Minister to pressure Shin Bet chief into illegitimate surveillance activities.
Ronen Bar, the chief of Israel’s domestic security agency Shin Bet, came forward with explosive accusations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a court affidavit made public on Monday. He reported that Netanyahu had repeatedly pressed him to exceed the agency's legal boundaries by spying on citizens engaged in anti-government protests and the movement's financial supporters.
Bar’s claims extend beyond mere surveillance requests. He stated that Netanyahu expected personal loyalty from him, prioritizing this over compliance with Supreme Court decisions during any prospective constitutional crisis. This damning testimony emerged as part of a case brought by opposition parties and watchdog organizations against Netanyahu's efforts to remove Bar from his position, allegedly ignited by Bar’s investigation into aides linked to security breaches, including the leaking of classified information and connections to Qatar.
Netanyahu has previously asserted a need to fire Bar due to a breakdown in their trust. However, Bar suggested that the motivations behind Netanyahu’s desired dismissal were less about professional unsuitability and more rooted in a demand for blind loyalty to the Prime Minister.
This affidavit has escalated the existing political crisis in Israel, as tensions rise between Netanyahu’s ultranationalist and religiously conservative coalition and a more liberal opposition. The ongoing struggle questions the balance of power among governmental branches and the future landscape of democracy in Israel.
Bar’s claims extend beyond mere surveillance requests. He stated that Netanyahu expected personal loyalty from him, prioritizing this over compliance with Supreme Court decisions during any prospective constitutional crisis. This damning testimony emerged as part of a case brought by opposition parties and watchdog organizations against Netanyahu's efforts to remove Bar from his position, allegedly ignited by Bar’s investigation into aides linked to security breaches, including the leaking of classified information and connections to Qatar.
Netanyahu has previously asserted a need to fire Bar due to a breakdown in their trust. However, Bar suggested that the motivations behind Netanyahu’s desired dismissal were less about professional unsuitability and more rooted in a demand for blind loyalty to the Prime Minister.
This affidavit has escalated the existing political crisis in Israel, as tensions rise between Netanyahu’s ultranationalist and religiously conservative coalition and a more liberal opposition. The ongoing struggle questions the balance of power among governmental branches and the future landscape of democracy in Israel.
