In the wake of the deadly Hamas strike on Israel in October 2023 and the subsequent conflict in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed several top officials, with the nation’s internal security leader now in the spotlight. Netanyahu insists these actions stem from a crisis of confidence and the need to remove those responsible for not preventing the attack. However, many of his critics view these dismissals as part of a larger strategy to weaken independent government bodies, allowing him to strengthen his hold on power amidst ongoing corruption trials and public demands for accountability.
Recently, Netanyahu declared his intention to dismiss Ronen Bar, the Shin Bet director, amid an ongoing probe into connections between Netanyahu’s advisors and Qatar. The investigation seeks to understand the nature of these interactions. Netanyahu’s decision follows months of mounting tensions between him and Bar.
Bar, who assumed leadership of Shin Bet in 2021 under a different prime minister, acknowledged his agency’s failure to foresee and prevent the Oct. 7 attack, expressing intentions to resign before his term ends in 2026. However, the Shin Bet’s investigation also criticized Netanyahu’s policies, which emphasized managing Hamas rather than addressing the growing danger it posed. Bar had been crucial in negotiations to free Israeli hostages from Hamas, but clashed with Netanyahu on how to advance, leading to his replacement by Cabinet minister Ron Dermer, a known Netanyahu ally. This move exemplifies a trend where Netanyahu surrounds himself with loyalists.
Recent Shin Bet investigations also appeared to be a breaking point. One inquiry involves a Netanyahu spokesperson accused of leaking classified documents to the German press during ceasefire talks. Another probe is examining claims that Qatar engaged close Netanyahu aides to launch a promotional campaign within Israel. Notably, Qatar, integral to talks between Israel and Hamas, supplied cash to Gaza with Netanyahu’s consent, funds that purportedly supported both humanitarian causes and indirectly bolstered Hamas militarily. The Movement for Quality Government in Israel has voiced concerns that Bar’s ousting amid ongoing probes could be politically driven.
Bar could become the first Shin Bet chief in Israeli history to be dismissed if Netanyahu’s decision goes through, marking yet another defense official removed amid controversy over the Oct. 7 failures. In November 2023, Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant after losing faith in him following Gallant’s requests for a concrete postwar strategy for Gaza. Gallant, an ex-general, was succeeded by Netanyahu ally Israel Katz, who exerted pressure on the military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, leading to Halevi’s early resignation and subsequent removal of Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the military’s spokesman.
The blame has started circling for the most devastating attack in Israel’s history, with Netanyahu directing culpability towards his security leaders, claiming no forewarning about Hamas’ plans while following advice that perceived Hamas as being under control. Ignoring increasing clamor for a state inquiry that might implicate his policies, Netanyahu has challenged state systems for years, asserting they are aligned against him since his 2019 corruption charges.
Bar’s dismissal occurs amidst ongoing disputes between Netanyahu and state mechanisms, which he believes are targeting him. From the inception of corruption charges against him in 2019, Netanyahu has struck at the police, judiciary, and the press, framing them as part of a politically motivated vendetta. In early 2023, Netanyahu expanded this campaign by attempting a comprehensive overhaul of the judiciary to shift power back to elected officials, prompting mass demonstrations and participation withdrawal threats from military reserves.
This tension may have communicated an image of hostility to Israel’s adversaries, potentially influencing the timing of the Hamas strike. Bar, alongside other security leaders, warned Netanyahu about this perceived vulnerability. Further, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara objected to Netanyahu’s plans to oust Bar, likely leading to a legal confrontation. As Netanyahu fills positions with loyalists, reflecting tactics akin to his ally, former President Donald Trump, the pressure mounts. With elections anticipated in late 2026, Netanyahu’s coalition, dependent on ultranationalist and ultra-religious factions, faces challenges including the continuation of the Gaza conflict, conscription drafts, and budget deliberations.
Bar, in response to his removal, reiterated his allegiance to Israel’s citizens, challenging Netanyahu’s pursuit of personal loyalty from state officials and underscoring the principle that such expectations of fidelity are misguided.
