In Tel Aviv, Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been actively dismissing or pressuring high-ranking officials to resign following the devastating Hamas attack on Israel in 2023, which led to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The most recent focus of his actions is the chief of domestic security. Netanyahu states his actions are driven by a loss of confidence and a desire to remove those who failed to prevent the October 7 disaster. However, critics believe these actions are part of a larger effort to dismantle independent government institutions to strengthen his own standing. Netanyahu is under trial for alleged corruption and is facing increasing public calls to acknowledge his role in policy shortcomings leading up to the attack.
Recently, Netanyahu announced his intention to dismiss Ronen Bar, director of Shin Bet, as the agency investigates alleged connections between Netanyahu’s advisors and Qatar. Israel’s attorney general has requested that Netanyahu clarify the legal basis for Bar’s removal, emphasizing that the security service should not serve the prime minister’s personal interests. In response, Netanyahu warned the attorney general against overstepping her authority, highlighting concerns regarding government power dynamics.
Tensions between Netanyahu and Bar have surfaced over several months. Bar, who assumed leadership of Shin Bet in 2021, took responsibility for the agency’s failure to prevent the October 7 attack and announced plans to resign by 2026. Shin Bet’s internal investigation suggested Netanyahu’s policies contributed significantly to the security lapse. Bar played a crucial role in negotiating the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, but disagreements with Netanyahu led to his replacement by loyal Cabinet minister Ron Dermer.
The situation intensified when Shin Bet launched two investigations into Netanyahu’s advisors. One involved a leaked document potentially used by the prime minister to politically navigate ceasefire discussions, while the other concerned Qatar hiring Netanyahu’s aides to launch a public relations campaign in Israel. Critics argue that Qatar’s financial assistance, approved by Netanyahu, indirectly fortified Hamas, culminating in the October 7 assault. Bar’s dismissal amid these investigations raises concerns about potential political motivations.
Should Bar’s firing proceed, he would become the first Shin Bet chief removed under such conditions. Netanyahu’s recent dismissal of several defense officials, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, reflects ongoing blame-shifting for the security failures leading to the attack. Netanyahu has resisted calls for a state inquiry into government policies preceding Hamas’s assault, as it may directly implicate him. Journalists suggest that Netanyahu’s actions might serve as a strategic alibi, silencing testimony from those removed.
Bar’s dismissal is part of Netanyahu’s long-standing confrontations with state institutions. Accused of corruption in 2019, Netanyahu has accused the police, judiciary, and media of conducting politically motivated pursuits against him. In 2023, he attempted to restructure the justice system, claiming it was to empower elected officials, which prompted widespread protests and military unrest. Critics argue that internal dissent signaled vulnerability to Israel’s adversaries, influencing the timing of Hamas’s attack.
The attorney general, Baharav-Miara, is another of Netanyahu’s targets, challenging his authority. The conflict over Bar’s dismissal may eventually reach the Supreme Court, escalating tensions between the judiciary and the executive. Netanyahu has accused Baharav-Miara of misusing her position to authorize investigations into his associates.
Anticipating the next elections, Netanyahu is consolidating power by surrounding himself with loyalists, paralleling his political ally, President Donald Trump. Though his coalition could unravel before the scheduled 2026 election, Netanyahu prepares for challenges like deciding Gaza’s future and addressing ultra-Orthodox military conscription and budget issues. While this approach might facilitate his agenda, it may also deepen opposition and impact Netanyahu’s legacy. Bar, in defense of his dismissal, reaffirmed his commitment to the nation rather than personal loyalty to Netanyahu.