Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to dismiss Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet internal security service, amid a power struggle over accountability for the recent Hamas attack that initiated the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Netanyahu expressed a long-standing distrust of Bar, which has reportedly intensified over time and coincides with an investigation into the prime minister’s close aides by the security service.
Bar, however, has indicated that he intends to remain in his role, citing responsibilities related to sensitive investigations, efforts to secure the release of hostages in Gaza, and the need to prepare potential successors. He also raised concerns about Netanyahu’s expectation of personal loyalty conflicting with the public interest.
The situation has drawn scrutiny from Israel’s attorney general, who stated that Netanyahu must clarify the legal basis for his decision before proceeding with any dismissal. The Shin Bet has acknowledged failures in its operations surrounding the October 7 assault and indirectly criticized Netanyahu for fostering an environment that allowed such an attack to occur, suggesting that warnings from the agency were not acted upon.
While Netanyahu has resisted calls for an official inquiry into the attacks, he has shifted blame onto military and security agencies. Recently, several senior security officials have either resigned or been removed from their posts. Bar is one of the few remaining senior officials, and if dismissed, it is anticipated that Netanyahu may appoint someone more aligned with his views, potentially hindering an inquiry.
The proposed dismissal would require parliamentary approval but is likely to garner enough support to pass. Nonetheless, according to legal experts, such a substantial decision requires the attorney general’s endorsement. Tensions between Netanyahu and the attorney general have escalated, with accusations of interference in government actions.
Netanyahu is reportedly displeased that the Shin Bet is investigating his staff’s interactions with Qatar, especially as recent reports surfaced regarding alleged misconduct involving his former spokesperson and other aides who purportedly facilitated pro-Qatar narratives. The Shin Bet and Bar have been integral to negotiations concerning hostages in Gaza, with recent changes to the negotiating team reflecting policy disagreements with Netanyahu, who has threatened to escalate military actions.
Critics, including the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, have condemned Netanyahu’s actions as a violation of the rule of law, accusing him of a conflict of interest given the concurrent investigations involving his office. Opposition leader Yair Lapid branded the move as politically motivated and expressed intentions to oppose Bar’s potential dismissal, describing it as “shameful.”
Netanyahu’s struggle for control comes against a backdrop of ongoing protests and public dissent, particularly following his indictment on corruption charges in 2019, which he claims is part of a conspiracy against him. His efforts to reform the judicial system earlier this year have further ignited public outrage, with many alleging that he is attempting to diminish checks and balances within the government.