Netanyahu calls Shin Bet chief a 'liar' in Supreme Court battle
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Accusations of political manipulation and protest surveillance spark a deepening crisis within the Israeli regime.
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The justices' bench in the Supreme Court of "Israel" is seen ahead of a hearing in occupied al-Quds, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023. (AP Photo)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court on Sunday in which he labeled the occupation's internal security chief, Ronen Bar, a "liar" as the battle over Bar's dismissal intensifies.
Netanyahu's court filing came nearly a week after Bar accused him, under oath, of demanding personal loyalty and instructing him to surveil anti-government protesters.
"The accusation according to which I allegedly demanded action against innocent civilians, or against a non-violent and legitimate protest during the protests of 2023, is an absolute lie," Netanyahu stated in his affidavit.
The dispute between Netanyahu and Bar has erupted into a major political crisis. Last month, Netanyahu's government announced Bar's dismissal, citing a "lack of trust," but the Israeli Supreme Court swiftly froze the move pending a final decision.
The situation escalated after Bar submitted a second affidavit on Monday, accusing Netanyahu of seeking to exploit the Shin Bet for personal gain, including attempting to delay testimony in the prime minister's corruption trial.
Bar alleged that "it was clear" he would be expected to side with Netanyahu over the courts during any constitutional crisis. He also claimed that Netanyahu instructed the Shin Bet to act against anti-government protesters, especially by targeting their financial backers.
In response, Netanyahu's office dismissed Bar's allegations, stating, "Ronen Bar submitted a false affidavit to the Supreme Court today, which will be thoroughly refuted in due course."
Institutional crisis
Tensions have been further fueled by the ongoing fallout from the October 7, 2023, events, after which Netanyahu criticized Shin Bet's performance. Bar defended the agency, insisting "nothing was hidden" from the prime minister or relevant authorities that night.
Netanyahu countered that Bar "did not accomplish his mission," writing, "He did not wake up the prime minister. He did not wake up the minister of defence. He did not wake up the soldiers of the army."
In a 23-page affidavit, Netanyahu concluded that Bar had "failed in his role as chief of Shin Bet and lost the confidence of the entire Israeli government as far as his ability to continue to manage the organisation." The prime minister's office had previously issued similar remarks following Bar's initial statement.
Meanwhile, political tensions have spilled into the streets. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has warned of the risk of political violence, blaming Netanyahu for creating a hostile environment toward Bar.
"A red line has been crossed. If we don't stop this, there will be a political murder, maybe more than one. Jews will kill Jews," Lapid warned during a news conference in Tel Aviv, adding that "the most serious threats are directed at the head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar."
The family of an Israeli soldier also attacked Bar during a Supreme Court hearing, accusing him of having "the blood of Israeli soldiers on his hands," according to local media.
Bar announced his intention to resign in the coming weeks, though the court has ruled that he remains in office until further notice while the government and attorney general attempt to reach an agreement.
Read more: Head of Israeli Shin Bet plans to resign soon amid dismissal
