How to Say No to a Would-Be Autocrat - The Atlantic

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Key Players and Events

The article centers on the conflict between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ronen Bar, the former head of the Shin Bet (Israel's internal security service). Bar's dismissal by Netanyahu is the focal point, with Bar's eight-page affidavit detailing Netanyahu's attempts to use the Shin Bet for personal gain and political suppression.

Netanyahu's Alleged Actions

  • Pressuring Bar to prioritize personal loyalty over national security and the rule of law.
  • Attempting to use the Shin Bet to investigate political opponents and suppress protests.
  • Seeking to manipulate Bar's testimony to avoid appearing in his corruption trial.
  • Dismissing Bar from his position, the first such dismissal of a Shin Bet director in Israeli history.

These actions, according to Bar, demonstrate Netanyahu's aim to transform Israel into an authoritarian state.

Bar's Resistance

Bar's affidavit serves as a testament to his resistance against Netanyahu's alleged attempts at a self-coup. Despite potential personal risks and criticisms of his previous record, Bar refused to comply with Netanyahu's demands, emphasizing the importance of loyalty to democratic principles and the rule of law over personal loyalty to the prime minister.

Implications and Future Outlook

The article highlights the broader implications for democracies under threat. The Supreme Court's decision on Bar's dismissal and Netanyahu's subsequent actions could trigger a constitutional crisis. The public's response and the stance taken by other government officials will be crucial in determining Israel's future trajectory.

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