Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has initiated steps to dismiss Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, following a public dispute over the agency’s failure to prevent the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Sunday that Bar had been informed of the proposal to remove him, with the government set to discuss it this week.
In a public address, Netanyahu cited a “lack of trust” as the primary reason for the move, but Bar has responded by asserting that his loyalty lies with Israel’s security, not with the Prime Minister personally. Bar further expressed concerns about Netanyahu’s expectation of personal loyalty, which he argued undermines public interest and violates the Shin Bet Law. He also reiterated his call for a state commission of inquiry into the events surrounding the Hamas attack, which he believes is crucial for national security.
The dispute between Netanyahu and Bar escalated after Shin Bet’s acknowledgment of its failure to anticipate the Hamas assault. The agency also pointed to Netanyahu’s government policies that contributed to Hamas’s significant military buildup. Despite this, Netanyahu rejected calls for an independent investigation into his handling of the attack.
Tensions have also flared over a separate matter, with Netanyahu accusing Bar’s predecessor, Nadav Argaman, of criminal threats in a complaint filed to Israeli police. Argaman had suggested in a recent interview that he would disclose damaging information about Netanyahu if it came to light that the Prime Minister had acted unlawfully.
As the country remains embroiled in political divisions and ongoing conflict, Netanyahu’s actions signal growing friction between Israel’s political leadership and its security apparatus.
