Former Shin Bet Chief Ayalon Labels Israeli Ministers as Terrorists in New Documentary
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JERUSALEM — Former Shin Bet Director Ami Ayalon delivered scathing remarks against two senior Israeli government ministers in a new documentary titled 'Bibi Files,' describing Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich as a 'Jewish terrorist who is not in jail' and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir as a 'follower of a Jewish terrorist group.'
The comments, released on Saturday, represent a significant escalation in public criticism from a former head of Israel’s internal security service against current members of the ruling coalition. Ayalon, who served as Shin Bet director from 2005 to 2011, made the statements during an interview segment featured in the documentary, which focuses on the political legacy of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In the footage, Ayalon characterized Smotrich’s political activities as tantamount to terrorism, noting the minister has not faced legal consequences for his actions. Regarding Ben-Gvir, Ayalon pointed to the minister’s past associations, labeling him a follower of a group designated as terrorist by Israeli authorities. The remarks come amid ongoing tensions within Israel’s security establishment regarding the government’s policies and the influence of right-wing factions.
The documentary has not been widely distributed, but clips have circulated online, sparking immediate debate among political commentators and security analysts. Ayalon, a prominent figure in Israeli security circles, has previously expressed concerns about the direction of the current government but has rarely used such direct language to describe sitting ministers.
Neither Smotrich nor Ben-Gvir has publicly responded to Ayalon’s comments as of Saturday evening. The Finance Ministry and the National Security Ministry did not issue statements addressing the allegations. The controversy adds to a growing list of public disputes between current government officials and former security chiefs, who have increasingly voiced concerns over the administration’s approach to national security and judicial reforms.
Ayalon’s use of the term 'terrorist' to describe Israeli politicians is unprecedented in recent years. The designation typically applies to individuals or groups engaged in violence against civilians, raising questions about the context and intent behind Ayalon’s characterization. Legal experts have noted that while the comments are protected speech, they could have political ramifications in the lead-up to upcoming elections.
The timing of the documentary’s release remains unclear. Producers have not announced a formal broadcast date, and the full film has not been made available to the public. It is unknown whether the statements were made specifically for the documentary or if they were part of a broader series of interviews.
As the controversy unfolds, observers are watching to see how the government and its supporters will react to the accusations from a former security chief. The incident highlights the deepening divisions within Israeli society and the security establishment regarding the current administration’s policies and personnel.