Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that he will seek to dismiss Ronen Bar, the director of Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, through a cabinet vote later this week. The move is likely to fuel accusations of authoritarianism and deepen political divisions within the country.
In a video statement, Netanyahu cited “ongoing distrust” as the reason for his decision, stating that he could no longer work with Bar, who has led Shin Bet since 2021. “We are in the midst of a war for our very survival,” Netanyahu said. “At any time, but especially during such an existential war, the prime minister must have complete confidence in the director of the Shin Bet. Unfortunately, however, the situation is the opposite.”
The vote to dismiss Bar is expected to take place during a special cabinet meeting on Wednesday, according to Israeli media.
Shin Bet Chief Rejects Claims, Accuses Netanyahu of Overreach
In response, Bar issued a statement acknowledging Shin Bet’s partial responsibility for failing to prevent the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that sparked the ongoing war in Gaza. However, he denied that his dismissal was related to the attack, calling it a politically motivated move.
“The prime minister’s expectation of personal loyalty that contradicts the public interest is an entirely improper expectation,” Bar said.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and former officials. Yair Golan, head of the Israeli Democratic Party, accused Netanyahu of “declaring war on the State of Israel” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He suggested that the dismissal was an attempt by Netanyahu, who is facing ongoing corruption trials, to remove someone investigating him and his inner circle.
“The dismissal of the head of the Shin Bet is a desperate attempt by a criminal defendant to get rid of someone who is loyal to Israel and who is investigating Netanyahu and his close circle for serious and dark offenses,” Golan said.
Netanyahu Faces Backlash Over Accountability for Hamas Attack
Shin Bet, which is responsible for monitoring Palestinian militant groups, recently issued a report accepting partial responsibility for its failures surrounding the October 7 attack. However, the report also criticized government policies as contributing factors.
Netanyahu, who has been prime minister for a total of 17 years and was in office at the time of the attack, has not accepted any personal responsibility for the security failures. The Hamas assault killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and led to the abduction of 251 others.
While Netanyahu’s far-right allies have welcomed the move to dismiss Bar, opposition leaders have vowed to challenge it. Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition, promised to take the matter to court, while former Prime Minister Ehud Barak accused Netanyahu of “going off the rails” and “rebelling against the rule of law.”
The controversy underscores the deepening political turmoil in Israel, with critics accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing personal and political survival over national stability. As the war in Gaza continues, the prime minister’s actions are likely to further polarize an already divided nation.