In a recent development, Ronen Bar, the head of Israel’s anti-terror General Security Service, Shin Bet, has condemned Member of the Knesset Tally Gotliv for what he deems defamatory comments. Gotliv, a member of the Likud party, reportedly made false statements on social media about events preceding the Gaza conflict, including a claim about actions attributed to a Shin Bet employee.
Bar, in a letter to top officials, expressed concern over Gotliv’s actions, citing a breach of Section 19 of Israel’s General Security Service Law. This section strictly prohibits the disclosure of the identities of service employees, past or present. Gotliv’s alleged disclosure of sensitive information, including the employee’s name and details about their family, is considered a violation of this law.
The Shin Bet head emphasized the severity of the situation, labeling Gotliv’s actions as both a criminal act and a potential civil offense. Bar asserted that Gotliv knowingly and deliberately jeopardized the safety and well-being of the Shin Bet employee and their family. Moreover, he claimed that her actions diverted attention and resources of the security forces, impacting defense and security efforts.
In response to the allegations, Gotliv defended her actions on social media, stating that she is not intimidated and that her primary focus is the welfare of the people of Israel and the security of the country. She also shared a copy of a letter she sent to the Speaker of the Knesset in response to the accusations.
The incident raises concerns about the balance between freedom of speech and the protection of national security. The clash between a lawmaker and the head of the security service highlights the delicate nature of information disclosure in a volatile geopolitical environment. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Israeli political landscape will address the potential legal and security implications of this dispute.
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