Netanyahu accuses Shin Bet chief Bar of blackmail amid escalating tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has escalated tensions with the Shin Bet intelligence service, accusing its current chief, Ronen Bar, and former chief, Nadav Argaman, of conducting 'blackmail' against him. This conflict intensified after Argaman stated he would reveal incriminating information about Netanyahu if he believed the prime minister was acting unlawfully. Netanyahu condemned these threats as a dangerous breach of democratic norms, asserting that they aim to undermine his authority in reforming the Shin Bet following its failures during the October 7 attacks. In response, the Shin Bet stated that Bar is focused solely on security matters and dismissed Netanyahu's allegations as unfounded. Argaman, while denying any intent to threaten, implied that he would act in the interest of national security if necessary. This confrontation raises serious questions about the relationship between Israel's political leadership and its intelligence agencies amid ongoing judicial reforms.