Written By Lisa Murimi
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Ronen Bar, the head of the country’s domestic intelligence agency, Shin Bet, citing a breakdown in trust.
The Israeli cabinet formally approved the decision on Thursday evening, marking the first time a sitting Shin Bet chief has been removed from office.
Netanyahu announced his decision in a video statement on Sunday, blaming Bar for failing to anticipate the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack.
However, Bar has claimed that his removal is politically motivated, particularly as the Shin Bet investigates Netanyahu’s office over alleged ties to Qatar.
The move has sparked outrage, fueling anti-government protests in Jerusalem. Critics argue that the decision threatens national security, with The Movement for Quality Government in Israel filing an appeal against what it calls an “illegal decision.”
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has also raised legal concerns, warning that Bar’s dismissal should not proceed until its legality is reviewed.
Meanwhile, opposition parties, including Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid, have condemned the sacking, citing conflicts of interest.
As tensions rise over Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, the controversy surrounding Bar’s dismissal adds another layer of political and security uncertainty in the nation.
