Netanyahu Accused of Requesting Surveillance on Israeli Security Officials

Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen alleges the prime minister sought to wiretap top officials during a major security event, raising concerns about political motives and democratic integrity.

• Yoram Cohen, former head of Israel's Shin Bet security service, claims Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked him to wiretap senior security officials in 2018.
• Cohen stated the request was tied to a significant security incident involving then-IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz, but he refused to comply.
• The allegations include claims that Netanyahu's associates are attempting to shift blame for the October 2023 security failures onto the military.
• Netanyahu's office denied wrongdoing, asserting that the prime minister acted legally to protect state secrets and accused Cohen of fabricating a political scandal.
• The revelations have sparked broader debates in Israel about government accountability, democratic norms, and the role of security agencies.

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