In a dramatic decision, the Israeli government has approved unanimously Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recommendation to sack Ronen Bar as the chief of Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency. The move comes at a time of strain between the two, with Netanyahu giving the reason for the dismissal as an “ongoing lack of trust.”.
Bar, who has served in the agency since 1993, was originally set to complete his tenure next year. However, the government’s statement confirmed that he will step down by April 10 or once his successor is appointed.
Tensions Over Hamas Attack Report
Bar’s position was already shaky before the historic Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which precipitated the current war in Gaza. His relationship with Netanyahu had also been strained as a result of disagreements over suggested judicial reforms that deeply polarized Israeli society.
The situation worsened even further following the release of an internal report by Shin Bet on March 4, admitting failure in anticipating the Hamas attack. The report identified that years of a “policy of quiet” had enabled Hamas to expand its military might.
Bar had earlier hinted that he would resign before the end of his term of office, accepting full blame for the intelligence failures that preceded the attack.
Accusations and Political Fallout
After his ousting, opposition leaders and demonstrators have blamed Netanyahu for undermining Israel’s democratic institutions. Thousands of protesters, in spite of bad weather, rallied outside Netanyahu’s private home in Jerusalem and then outside the Israeli parliament.
In an open letter, Bar asserted that Netanyahu’s explanation for his dismissal was made up of “general, unsubstantiated accusations” and suggested ulterior motives for the move. He accused his dismissal of being intended to prevent investigations into the lead-up to the October 7 attack, as well as other sensitive issues, such as charges against Netanyahu’s close allies and financial transactions with Qatar, a scandal referred to as “Qatargate” by the media.
Broader Security Implications
Removal of the chief of the Shin Bet was concurrent with increased operations by the Israeli military in Gaza. After a two-month ceasefire, Israel resumed massive airstrikes and ground attacks, which Netanyahu defended as being needed to coerce Hamas into the release of the remaining 58 hostages.
In the meantime, Israeli President Isaac Herzog criticized the government’s actions during these times of escalated conflict. He warned that the actions could compromise “national resilience” at a crucial moment in the nation’s security and stability.
