Unprecedented accusation amid insubordination by ISI. Security heads accused of evading responsibility.Prime Minister denies political leadership at fault in intelligence failure for 10/7. Why is Ronen Bar still at his post? He won’t take Bibi’s hint.

Reuven Koret, Israel Insider and Virtual Jerusalem Editor

An explosive confrontation between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (“Bibi”) and Shin Bet chiefs—current director Ronen Bar and his predecessor Nadav Argaman—has spilled into public view, fueling controversy over accountability for intelligence failures related to the October 7 Hamas attack.

Netanyahu publicly accused both Bar and Argaman of orchestrating what he called a “blackmail campaign,” alleging they are attempting to shift responsibility away from the Shin Bet and onto political leadership. His harsh rebuke has intensified already growing tensions within Israel’s security establishment, highlighting deep divides between political leaders and the intelligence community.

Argaman’s Ultimatum

Former Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman escalated the dispute in a recent televised interview, implying he holds sensitive information that could significantly damage Netanyahu if revealed. Argaman bluntly stated, “If I come to the conclusion that the prime minister has decided to act against the law, there will be no choice—I will say everything I know and have withheld until now.”

Argaman further accused Netanyahu of deliberately weakening Israeli society for political gain, characterizing the prime minister’s governance as dangerously divisive. “The prime minister is intentionally harming Israeli society, causing friction among the population, to preserve his rule,” Argaman asserted.

Netanyahu responded swiftly and aggressively, labeling Argaman’s remarks “mafia-style criminal threats” intended to extort a sitting prime minister. “Never in Israeli history has a former head of a security agency threatened and publicly extorted a prime minister,” Netanyahu stated, dismissing Argaman’s accusations as baseless attempts at intimidation.

Ronen Bar’s Standoff

Meanwhile, tensions with current Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar have reached a breaking point. Netanyahu reportedly demanded Bar’s resignation due to intelligence lapses leading to the October 7 disaster. Bar refused, insisting he would only resign once all remaining hostages are returned and an official inquiry into intelligence failures is concluded. Netanyahu has accused Bar of coordinating a campaign of selective media leaks to obstruct reforms within the agency and to insulate Shin Bet leaders from accountability.

האיומים לא ירתיעו אותי! pic.twitter.com/O9xsKzeFR2

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 11, 2025

The Shin Bet categorically rejected Netanyahu’s claims, labeling his accusations “serious” and “unfounded.” A statement from the agency underscored Bar’s commitment to national security and the rescue of Israeli hostages, emphasizing that the prime minister’s allegations detract from crucial efforts to protect Israeli citizens.

The Question of Responsibility

At the heart of the dispute lies Netanyahu’s insistence that responsibility for the October 7 failures rests entirely with the security apparatus, including the IDF and Shin Bet, rather than the political echelon. Netanyahu has repeatedly asserted that political leadership provided adequate direction and resources, implying that operational breakdowns within the security services allowed Hamas to succeed.

This stance has drawn criticism from numerous corners of Israeli society, with opposition politicians and military veterans suggesting Netanyahu’s narrative conveniently absolves his government of any wrongdoing. Critics highlight that Netanyahu himself held ultimate oversight authority and question whether internal divisions fostered under his watch contributed to critical intelligence oversights.

Unheeded Warnings

Recent investigations have reinforced scrutiny of Netanyahu’s claims. Reports have surfaced showing that the Shin Bet, along with the IDF, received multiple advanced warnings indicating Hamas was preparing a major attack. Female soldiers stationed in surveillance roles at the Gaza border reported unusual activities well before October 7, but senior officers reportedly dismissed their concerns as exaggerated.

Moreover, it emerged that both Egyptian and American intelligence had relayed warnings to Israel prior to the attack, further undermining Netanyahu’s argument that political leadership bore no responsibility. Such revelations have sparked intense criticism, suggesting intelligence warnings either did not reach or were disregarded by Israel’s highest political echelons.

Political Ramifications

This high-stakes clash arrives against the backdrop of Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, where he faces charges including bribery and fraud. The prime minister has vehemently denied wrongdoing, portraying the case as politically motivated. The increasingly public feud with Shin Bet leaders, however, adds another dimension of instability, reinforcing public perceptions of internal governmental dysfunction.

Recent polling indicates that 56% of Israelis believe Netanyahu should resign following the war’s conclusion, while an overwhelming majority blame Israel’s senior leadership—both political and security—for the deadly intelligence failure. As such, Netanyahu’s efforts to focus blame squarely on Shin Bet chiefs risk backfiring, deepening public skepticism toward his leadership.

A Crisis of Trust

The public confrontation between Netanyahu and Shin Bet leaders is unprecedented in Israeli history, illuminating deep-seated institutional distrust and raising profound questions about future national security. With each side blaming the other for systemic failures, the likelihood of a constructive reckoning diminishes, potentially hampering critical reforms needed to restore public confidence and security preparedness.

As the investigation continues, the broader question of accountability—political versus security—remains unresolved, threatening to further divide Israel at a moment when national unity is urgently required.