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Ronen Bar sues Netanyahu for NIS 3 million defamation

By Drooid · Oct 17, 2026, 2:25 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar sued Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for NIS 3 million in defamation.
Bar alleges Netanyahu falsely claimed prior knowledge of the October 7 Hamas attack.
Bar claims Netanyahu rejected his proposals for offensive operations and targeted killings of Hamas leaders.
Bar asks the court to order document disclosure and a correction and payment of NIS 3 million plus interest.

History

Historical Context

In March 1964 the U.S. Supreme Court, in a unanimous 9-0 opinion authored by Justice William Brennan, created the “actual-malice” rule in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, limiting public officials’ ability to win defamation suits. The rule now underpins Ronen Bar’s 2024 NIS 3 million lawsuit against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which could force Israeli courts to require the same proof before allowing political accusations.

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Story summary

Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar sued Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for NIS 3 million in defamation.
Bar alleges Netanyahu falsely claimed prior knowledge of the October 7 Hamas attack.
Bar claims Netanyahu rejected his proposals for offensive operations and targeted killings of Hamas leaders.
Bar asks the court to order document disclosure and a correction and payment of NIS 3 million plus interest.

1 / 2