prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu Reacted sharply this evening (Thursday) to the interview with the former Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman on Channel 12 and accused him of "blackmailing with threats on live broadcast." According to him, "this crime joins a whole campaign of blackmailing with threats through media briefings in recent days, which the current head of the Shin Bet is conducting." Ronen Bar".
In the interview, Argaman threatened that "if I come to the conclusion that the prime minister decided that he was acting against the law" - he would publish information to which he was exposed while serving as head of the Shin Bet.
""The intimacy between the head of the Shin Bet and the prime minister is of great importance," Argaman said in an interview with Yonit Levy. "And I don't think it's right to harm that intimacy in order to ensure the proper relationship and working ties and the transparency that must exist between the head of the Shin Bet and the prime minister. And that's why I'm currently keeping everything that happened private between me and the prime minister in this place. It's quite clear that I have a lot of knowledge, I can use it, and I don't use it for the same reasons I mentioned.".
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
To the question of when will you use it? He replied: "If I think that the State of Israel or if I come to the conclusion that the prime minister has decided that he is acting against the law, then if there is no choice, I will say everything I know and have withheld from myself until today in order to preserve the importance of the relationship between the head of the Shin Bet and the prime minister.".
Netanyahu declared: "Tonight, another dangerous red line was crossed for Israeli democracy. Never, in the entire history of Israel and in the history of democracies, has the former head of the secret organization carried out live blackmail with threats against a sitting prime minister. This crime joins a whole campaign of blackmail with threats through media briefings in recent days, conducted by the current head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar.".
He added: "The only goal is to try to prevent me from making the decisions necessary to rebuild the Shin Bet after its devastating failure on October 7.".
The Prime Minister emphasized: "Let it be clear - the mafia-style criminal threats will not deter me. I will do what is necessary to ensure the security of the citizens of Israel.".
fromShin Bet In response to Netanyahu, it was stated: "This is a serious accusation against the head of a state organization in the State of Israel. Shin Bet head Ronen Bar devotes all his time to security matters, efforts to return the kidnapped and protect democracy. Any other statement on the matter is devoid of any basis.".
As expected, the "blackmail with threats" of Argaman, who was one of the leaders of the opponents of legal reform, sparked a political storm.
News 12's senior political commentator, Fellow, responded: "Will the Ombudsman investigate? Or is everything kosher in the struggle?".
The journalist Netael Bandel, a reporter and legal commentator for Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth, responded: "Former Shin Bet chief Argaman announces that if the prime minister does something that 'I (Argaman) conclude is against the law' - he will reveal information about him. When Miki Zohar did this to Mandelblit (and for revealing information he does not have at all) he was questioned by the police. Chief Boaz Blatt, are you awake?""
Moti Castel, Channel 14's political correspondent: "Former Shin Bet chief Argaman threatens Netanyahu tonight. If you want to know what Netanyahu thinks about it: This week, when the prime minister entered the cabinet meeting, Minister Kari told him: Sima Kadmon threatens that if you dare to fire Ronen Bar - he has materials on you...
The Prime Minister sneered contemptuously and made a sign with his hands: "I am 'shaking' with fear.".
The journalist Hanan Greenwood From Israel Hayom: "One secret police chief is trying to blackmail the prime minister with threats. A second secret police chief is entrenched in his chair despite a terrible and horrific failure that led to the deaths of more than 1,000 people. And all the D-M-O-K-R-T-I-E shouters are cheering as if these are not characteristics of a dictatorship per se. Delusion.".
A mobster who blackmails a sitting prime minister with threats, how many years will they sit on this? pic.twitter.com/fqfTtgv4MJ
— Yaki Adamker (@YakiAdamker) March 13, 2025
The commentator Ariel Kahane From Israel Hayom: "What's wrong with you, Mr. Argaman - if you have information that the Prime Minister committed a crime or violated the law and you are not handing it over to the authorities, then you have been an accomplice to a crime for several years. If you do not have such information, then why are you threatening? And if the information is not about criminal acts but belongs to the realm of manners and conduct, values and views - then what right do you have to make such a threat?"
""Have some respect and break into the political system and the public will judge you there. Until then, no one has appointed you to settle political scores based on information you have accumulated by virtue of your position. Also, in the act you did tonight, you seriously damaged the image of the General Security Service, which has already lost the public's trust since the massacre. There is no worse message than that for Shin Bet employees and their public image.".
Media person Erel Segal"Tonight, the Shin Bet moved to a level of mafia-like threats. This organization must be dismantled and reassembled. An organization that completely failed on October 7 and did not learn a lesson. On the contrary, its leaders are increasing the stakes on democracy. A secret police that threatens the prime minister. Decent Shin Bet members must come out now against this disgrace.".
He later added: "The Kibbutznik Mehmadi thinks he is in charge of the Shab. The organizational DNA has not changed, and therefore the failures are enormous. What a difference from the Mossad. The Shin Bet is the truly violent arm of the prosecution, and Mrs. Miara has a long history with the organization, and therefore we are in a crazy situation where the law enforcement system is blackmailing the sovereign. Tonight, instead of celebrating Purim, we should have been on the street. We are their sheep.".
Minister of Education Yoav Kish He responded: "The former head of the Shin Bet is trying to blackmail the prime minister with threats. This only happens in non-democratic countries. It is absolutely clear that he was sent by the current Shin Bet head.".
""With the submission of conclusions on the Shin Bet's failures on October 7, the Shin Bet head should vacate his position.".
Minister of Communications Shlomo Kerei"And Mordechai (a man of my right) will not kneel or bow down" - that's my Prime Minister. May he be strong. No one will threaten Israeli democracy. Send Ronen Bar to chatter in the studios together with his predecessor. You are thorns, a burner from the vineyard.".
Minister of Agriculture Avi Dichter, former Shin Bet chief: "Unfortunately, Nadav spoke tonight like a politician from the League for Jobs... simply disgraceful. The statement about dissolving the government is political for all intents and purposes. When you connect it to the beginning, that is, to the ultimatum he gives the prime minister, it explains everything. The man comes from a political place and goes to a political place. This is a political interview for all intents and purposes.".
MK Itamar Ben Gvir: "The Prime Minister is right. Ronen Bar cannot stay in office for another minute. Fire him!""
