Affidavit Shakes Israel: Shin Bet Chief Accuses Netanyahu of Misconduct and Threat to Democracy

A seismic moment in Israeli political and legal history unfolded Monday as the head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), Ronen Bar, submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court that stunned the nation and sent shockwaves through the political establishment.

The document, described by legal experts as the most severe and significant ever submitted by a senior public official in the country, details explosive claims about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s conduct—alleging attempts to subvert democratic institutions, manipulate security bodies for personal benefit, and suppress opposition voices.

What makes this affidavit especially potent is its origin: not a journalist, intelligence leak, or political opponent, but the current director of the Shin Bet, testifying under oath to Israel's highest judicial body.

Key Allegations from the Affidavit:

• Pressure on Shin Bet to Undermine Protesters and Media: Netanyahu allegedly demanded the Shin Bet act against protesters, media critics, and even asked for the silencing of journalists reporting on his movements—an extraordinary violation of democratic norms.

• Attempt to Co-opt Shin Bet for Personal Legal Defense: Netanyahu reportedly sought the agency’s intervention to cancel his criminal trial on the basis of national security concerns—an overt attempt to politicize law enforcement.

• Refusal to Support Anti-Democratic Actions: Bar testifies that he was asked to pledge loyalty to Netanyahu in the event of a constitutional crisis involving the judiciary, and refused.

• Breakdown in Security Protocols: Netanyahu allegedly demanded private, undocumented conversations with Bar, excluding military officials and bypassing standard security procedures.

Disturbing Context Around October 7

Bar’s affidavit also touches on the devastating events surrounding the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. He reaffirms that Shin Bet issued warnings against government policy toward Hamas and repeatedly pushed for proactive defense measures, which were ignored.

More disturbingly, Bar details how he was abruptly removed from hostage negotiation teams without explanation—an action he implies was politically motivated and detrimental to national security. He also references the government's support for a "blood libel" suggesting the Shin Bet intentionally ignored signs of an attack—a claim he refutes with documented evidence.

Confidential Details and Espionage Concerns

The affidavit includes a sealed, classified section, which many fear contains even graver revelations. Bar alludes to "Qatargate"—an alleged espionage operation with ramifications for Israel’s ties with Egypt and broader regional security.

Netanyahu’s Alleged Retaliation

Bar attributes recent tensions—including efforts to remove him from office—not to failures linked to October 7, but to his refusal to comply with Netanyahu’s demands and his support for a state commission to investigate the Hamas massacre and governmental failures.

A Turning Point for Israel?

Commentators call the affidavit nothing short of an unofficial indictment of Netanyahu’s character and conduct. “This is not a legal document—it’s an alarm bell,” one former security official said. “A cry to save the nation.”

In stark terms, Bar outlines a systematic campaign of incitement against the Shin Bet and its leadership, allegedly orchestrated by Netanyahu and his inner circle—even though he is protected by extensive security resources funded by the state.