Ex-Security Chief Claims Netanyahu Sought Surveillance on Protesters

A former head of the Shin Bet, Israel's internal security agency, has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of making inappropriate requests to monitor anti-government protesters. According to a court affidavit, the ex-security chief stated that Netanyahu repeatedly pressed him to use the agency's resources to gather intelligence on individuals and groups critical of the government.

The affidavit, filed as part of a larger legal case, describes instances where Netanyahu allegedly sought information on the organizers and activities of protests against his administration. The former security chief claims he refused these requests, believing they overstepped the boundaries of the Shin Bet's mandate and were politically motivated.

These allegations are likely to fuel further debate about the relationship between the government and the security establishment in Israel. Critics of Netanyahu have long accused him of attempting to politicize state institutions, while his supporters maintain that he acts solely in the best interests of the country's security. The Prime Minister's office has not yet issued a formal statement addressing the specific claims made in the affidavit. The legal proceedings are ongoing.