Netanyahu accuses Shin Bet chief of blackmail amid power struggle

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
13 Mar 2025 23:57
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Benjamin Netanyahu claims he is the victim of a blackmailing campaign led by Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and his associates.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends his trial on corruption charges at the district court in Tel Aviv, occupied Palestine, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. (Yariv Katz/Pool Photo via AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, of orchestrating a campaign of “blackmail and threats” to pressure him over decisions regarding the intelligence agency’s leadership.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Netanyahu claimed that "Israel" had crossed a “serious red line” in its so-called democracy, alleging that a former head of a secret organization—without naming names—had issued direct blackmail threats against him.

“This crime joins a whole campaign of blackmail with threats through media briefings in recent days, conducted by the current head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar,” Netanyahu wrote.

The Israeli prime minister suggested that Bar’s actions were aimed at preventing him from making necessary changes to the intelligence agency, particularly in response to its “devastating failure” during the October 7 events.

“Let’s be clear: mafia-style criminal threats will not deter me. I will do whatever is necessary to ensure the security of Israeli citizens,” Netanyahu added.

The accusations signal growing tensions within "Israel’s" security establishment, particularly as Netanyahu faces internal criticism over intelligence and military failures that led to Hamas’ unprecedented operation last year. Reports have suggested deep divisions between the prime minister and top security officials over accountability and restructuring efforts.

Former Shin Bet chief threatens Netanyahu

In an interview with Israeli Channel 12, Former Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman threatened Netanyahu by saying, "There is great importance to confidentiality between the head of the Shin Bet and the Prime Minister, and I do not believe it is right to compromise this confidentiality. For this reason, for the time being, I will keep everything that happened between me and the Prime Minister secret."

"But if I conclude that the Prime Minister decided to act illegally, I will have no choice but to reveal everything I know," he added.

Shin Bet responded to Netanyahu's accusations calling them "serious accusations against the head of a national organization in the State of Israel."

"Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar devotes all his time to security issues, efforts to return prisoners, and protecting democracy. Any other statement in this regard is baseless," the Shin Bet statement added.

Netanyahu's obstruction

Netanyahu had consistently refused to initiate an inquiry into the October 7 events, despite mounting pressure from opposition leaders, captives' families, and international observers.

A cabinet meeting in February, convened in response to a Supreme Court mandate, ended without action, fueling accusations that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is obstructing efforts to investigate his government's failures.

"Israel's" refusal to investigate its failures has sparked outrage among the families of captives, human rights organizations, and legal experts.

Critics argue that Netanyahu is prioritizing his own political survival over transparency, particularly as he faces corruption charges and growing dissatisfaction over his handling of the war.

Internationally, Netanyahu’s actions are further isolating "Israel", as the regime continues its indiscriminate assault on Gaza while avoiding accountability for its own failures. Hamas officials have warned that if "Israel" does not adhere to the ceasefire agreement, it will "pay a heavy price."