Netanyahu sued by ex-security chief over October 7 blame claims
Ronen Bar, former Shin Bet director, is suing Netanyahu for claiming Bar failed to alert him to the October 7 attack.
Ronen Bar, who led Israel's domestic security agency until June 2025, has filed a 134-page court case. Bar accuses Netanyahu of lying to cover his own responsibility for the attack.
Bar called the prime minister's military secretary as soon as danger signs appeared. Bar lacked Netanyahu's direct number.
Netanyahu has claimed that he could have stopped the assault if Bar or military chiefs had woken him that morning. Bar is seeking about $968,500 in damages.
The lawsuit surfaces just days before Israel's October 27 election. Netanyahu is fighting to stay in power.
Recently, his former military secretary told Israeli media that Netanyahu's office had altered records. They changed the timing of a key phone call.
- About $968,500 (3 million shekels)
- Damages sought
- Time changed from 6:40am to 6:29am
- Phone call altered
- October 27, 2026
- Election timing
- At least 1,221 Israelis killed
- October 7 death toll
Why it mattersThe case opens a new front in Israel's reckoning over who failed to stop the deadliest attack in the nation's history, weeks before voters decide Netanyahu's political fate.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but the case adds to scrutiny of Israeli leadership as tensions in the Middle East continue.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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