Israel’s Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency head, Ronen Bar, has resigned after a fierce dispute with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The move comes as deepening rifts in Israeli politics and society between the right-wing and hardliners supporting Netanyahu and liberal elements have been exposed.
Bar announced his resignation on Sunday at a memorial event for Shin Bet members who have died in service, saying he chose to make it public on an evening symbolizing “remembrance, heroism and sacrifice.” The decision follows a challenge to the Supreme Court by the attorney general and opposition parties that put his resignation on hold.
The dispute began last month when Netanyahu dismissed Bar from his position. However, this was not without controversy. In recent days, Netanyahu accused Bar of being a liar in an affidavit presented to the Supreme Court, while Bar countered by saying his dismissal was motivated by political and personal considerations.
Netanyahu claimed that Bar bore “massive and direct responsibility” for the security failures during the 7 October attacks that triggered the Gaza war. However, Bar responded by calling Netanyahu’s affidavit “full of inaccuracies, biased quotes and half-truths.”
The Supreme Court faced a difficult decision on who to believe between the two men. However, Bar stated he would play a part in any future proceedings, emphasizing the need for independence of the Shin Bet.
The dispute highlights increasing tensions between opposed sections of Israeli society, with some supporting Netanyahu’s hard-line government and others advocating for ending the war in Gaza and prioritizing the fate of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg84q75n2po