Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intention to dismiss the head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, heightening an existing struggle for power primarily centered on the recent Hamas attack that fueled the conflict in Gaza. Netanyahu has raised concerns about his trust in Bar over time, an issue that has now prompted the initiation of Bar’s removal.
Despite Netanyahu’s plan, Bar has asserted that he will remain in his position for the foreseeable future. His ongoing responsibilities include completing sensitive investigations and securing the freedom of remaining hostages in Gaza. Bar has expressed that Netanyahu’s expectation of personal loyalty conflicts with public interests, but he assured respect for any legal decisions regarding his status.
The Attorney General of Israel has directed Netanyahu to outline the legal justification for his decision before taking any steps to terminate Bar. The Shin Bet, tasked with overseeing militant Palestinian factions, had criticized Netanyahu, attributing the October 7 attack in part to failed governmental policies. While recent army assessments admitted to underestimating Hamas, Shin Bet claimed it had comprehensively understood the threat, pointing to ignored warnings.
Netanyahu has consistently deflected blame for the October 7 attack and resisted forming an inquiry commission, placing responsibility on the military and security bodies. Several high-ranking officials have resigned or been relieved of duty since the attack, with Bar remaining as one of the few still holding their position. Should Netanyahu succeed in replacing Bar, a loyalist might fill the role, potentially hindering momentum for an inquiry commission into the attack.
Implementing the dismissal requires parliamentary approval and the attorney general’s consent. The attorney general, Gali Baharav-Miara, underscored that the Shin Bet should serve public interest, not merely the prime minister’s. Netanyahu and Baharav-Miara have previously clashed, with criticisms from Netanyahu about her interference in government operations.
Critics, including Amichai Cohen from the Israel Democracy Institute, have raised concerns about the implications of dismissing Bar, especially regarding the Shin Bet’s probing of Netanyahu’s office relations with Qatar. The Shin Bet is reviewing these key interactions because of questions raised about the activities of Netanyahu’s staff.
Reports reveal past and current association between Netanyahu aides and Doha, bringing further scrutiny upon the prime minister’s office. Two aides reportedly participated in pro-Qatar initiatives leading up to the 2022 World Cup. Meanwhile, Bar, who played a critical role in originating Gaza hostage negotiations, has been replaced by a Netanyahu loyalist, indicating diverging strategies in policy and hostage negotiations.
In response, a governance watchdog criticized Netanyahu’s move as an affront to rule of law, prompting Yair Lapid, the opposition leader, to announce plans to oppose Bar’s dismissal. Lapid condemned the decision as disreputable and driven by politics. For years, Netanyahu has argued that he is targeted by entrenched interests within courts and the media, which he labels a conspiracy. Controversially, he sought to reform the judicial system earlier this year, a move that inspired protests and fears over the erosion of checks and balances.
Israeli media have highlighted how Bar was among those issuing warnings prior to the attack, cautioning that existing political strife portrayed Israel as weak to its adversaries.
