Journalist Itamar Fleishman commented Wednesday evening on reports that Shin Bet director Ronen Bar decided to cancel Pride events at the agency, saying the organization's mission is to prevent the next October 7, and those who disagree are welcome to leave. His remarks echo backing by Finance Minister Smotrich for the same decision.
Journalist Itamar Fleishman, a prominent right-wing commentator, weighed in on Wednesday evening on the ongoing controversy over the Shin Bet's reported cancellation of Pride events, backing director Ronen Bar's decision. Speaking publicly, Fleishman said: "This is a security organization. You are supposed to prevent the next October 7. Whoever doesn't understand that is welcome to put down the keys and leave." His remarks, citing security priorities, echo Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's earlier support for the same move — and mark the latest intervention by a political figure in the widening debate.
The story has unfolded over Wednesday, June 24. At 09:31 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported Smotrich's first statement backing Bar's reported decision to discharge "progressive agendas" from the agency, citing professional responsibility. By 09:31, Smotrich had reiterated his support, claiming the internal dispute strengthens the organization. Later on, at 19:43 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported a separate but related incident in which Shin Bet official David Zini ordered the removal of a partial October 7 memorial corner at agency headquarters, arguing the partial display minimized the disaster. That move also drew criticism from bereaved families and opposition politicians.
As The Zioneer reported on Tuesday, June 23, a prior action by Zini — reported as an internal move at the Shin Bet — had already sparked outrage from the LGBT community and opposition slams of a "disgrace." The current thread thus follows a sequence of overlapping controversies at the agency, all touching on questions of security focus versus internal expression and commemoration.
What remains open: the Shin Bet has not officially confirmed the reported cancellation of Pride events, nor has director Ronen Bar publicly commented on the decision. Fleishman's remarks, while reflective of a political stance, do not alter the underlying factual ambiguity.
4 developments
- DevelopingFormer Shin Bet agent: internal LGBT logo battles showed 'political agenda'
- DevelopingMKs demand Knesset debate over Shin Bet chief's actions against LGBTQ cell
- StrongShin Bet dismantles partial Oct. 7 memorial corner at HQ, confirms full wall remains
- DevelopingAlleged 'Pride' cell exposed within Shin Bet, commentator says
Source and signal
- Internal intake