Former Shin Bet Chiefs Challenge Netanyahu: ‘You Are Accountable for October 7’
A powerful internal political rift has emerged within Israel, as a group of former leaders and senior officials from Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security agency, have publicly condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The veterans accuse Netanyahu of evading responsibility for the events of October 7, 2023, and leading a campaign to discredit the security services. Their criticism also extends to the current Shin Bet director, David Zini, for what they describe as a failure to defend the agency.
Accusations of Responsibility Evasion
According to reports from Israel’s Channel 12, five retired Shin Bet directors and over 31 former department heads have sent a letter sharply criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu. They accuse him of deliberately deflecting accountability for the October 7 events and launching attacks against Shin Bet. This move highlights a deep chasm between parts of the security establishment and the political leadership.
Demand for Defense of the Agency
The former officials also voiced strong disapproval of David Zini, the current director of Shin Bet, for his silence amid what they termed a “smear campaign” against the agency and its personnel. They expressed astonishment at Zini’s lack of public defense and urged him to “decisively respond” to protect Shin Bet’s employees and professional integrity. Furthermore, they called on Zini to publicly address what they labeled “false accusations of treason” leveled against the agency prior to October 7, 2023.
“Defamation Campaign” by Political Allies
The Israeli network detailed that Netanyahu’s inner circle and several members of the ruling coalition are spearheading an “unprecedented attack” on Shin Bet. This campaign reportedly includes the dissemination of what the former officials describe as “conspiracy theories” and the use of “manipulated documents.” These tactics, they claim, are designed to divert political responsibility for the security failures that occurred on October 7.
Context of October 7
The events of October 7, 2023, involved Hamas and other resistance groups launching “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.” This operation included attacks on 11 military bases and 22 settlements. The stated objectives of these groups for the operation were to end the “unjust siege of Gaza,” which had reportedly lasted 18 years, and to thwart what they described as Israeli plans to eliminate the Palestinian cause and assert control over Al-Aqsa Mosque.
