Netanyahu Promises Response After Shin Bet Chief’s Affidavit Rejects Intelligence Failure Claims
Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar refuted accusations by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other government officials claiming that Israel’s domestic intelligence agency had advance warning of the October 7 Hamas attack and failed to properly alert authorities.
In a formal affidavit submitted to the High Court of Justice on Monday as part of an ongoing dispute over his dismissal, Bar described allegations against him as “institutional incitement” aimed at discrediting him and the Shin Bet. Bar acknowledged that the Shin Bet made certain errors in assessing intelligence on the night of the attack, but emphasized he personally took decisive steps in response to “unusual but not unambiguous indications” late on October 6.
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According to Bar, around 11 p.m. on October 6, he alerted the commander of the IDF’s Gaza Division, its intelligence units, and the IDF’s Southern Command about suspicious activity. At 3:03 a.m. on October 7, the Shin Bet issued an alert to all security agencies regarding “unusual preparations and the possibility of offensive intentions by Hamas,” though Bar conceded this alert was not sufficiently severe—a failing he openly recognized. Bar personally arrived at Shin Bet headquarters at 4:30 a.m. and by 5:15 a.m. had directed staff to update the prime minister’s military secretary about the situation.
Bar’s affidavit further revealed previous warnings given to Netanyahu regarding the increasingly tense security environment. In July 2023, Bar said he explicitly warned the prime minister of a “war alert,” a term he described as unprecedented for a Shin Bet chief. Additionally, Bar said he cautioned the government that domestic political tensions stemming from its controversial judicial overhaul could be seen by enemies as an opportunity for attack. He recommended preventative measures to restore Israel’s deterrence.
Responding sharply to Bar’s affidavit, Netanyahu’s office labeled the Shin Bet chief’s claims a “false affidavit,” adding, “Bar’s submission will be refuted in detail in the near future. Stay tuned for more.”
The Shin Bet chief’s statement was part of his response to being dismissed by Netanyahu’s government, a move Bar argues was politically motivated. Bar accused Netanyahu of firing him not based on professional shortcomings, but rather because of expectations that he remain personally loyal to the prime minister—even in cases of constitutional crisis where the judiciary and government clash.