Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar Dismissed Amid Tensions with Netanyahu

The head of Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, was officially dismissed on Friday, days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed a lack of trust in him. The Israeli government unanimously approved Netanyahu’s proposal to end Bar’s tenure, stating that he would leave his post once a successor is appointed or by April 10 at the latest.

Netanyahu had publicly voiced his concerns about Bar’s leadership, citing an "ongoing lack of trust" as the primary reason for his removal. Bar, who has served in Shin Bet since 1993, was initially expected to remain in his position until next year. However, his premature dismissal marks the culmination of tensions that had been brewing even before the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which led to the ongoing war in Gaza.

Bar was appointed as the director of Shin Bet in October 2021 by the previous Israeli government, which had temporarily ousted Netanyahu from power between June 2021 and December 2022. His leadership came under scrutiny following the deadly Hamas assault, which resulted in one of the most significant security failures in Israel’s history. While Netanyahu’s government has faced criticism for its handling of the attack, the prime minister appeared to shift some of the responsibility onto security officials, including Bar.

The relationship between Netanyahu and Bar had already been strained before the war, particularly over the controversial judicial reforms that deeply divided the country. Bar was among those in the security establishment who reportedly warned that the proposed changes could destabilize Israel and undermine the military’s cohesion. These warnings put him at odds with Netanyahu’s government, which pushed forward with the reforms despite widespread protests.

Bar’s departure adds to the ongoing turbulence within Israel’s leadership as the war in Gaza continues. His dismissal is likely to further fuel political debates over accountability for the October 7 attack and the future of Israel’s security strategy. With the search for a new Shin Bet chief now underway, the decision will be closely watched, as the agency plays a crucial role in counterterrorism efforts and national security.