Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to dismiss Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, deepening a power struggle focused on who is responsible for the Hamas attack that sparked the war in Gaza.
Netanyahu cited “ongoing distrust” with Bar and said removing him would help Israel achieve its war goals and prevent the next disaster. However, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara warned Netanyahu must clarify the legal basis for his decision before taking action.
Bar plans to continue as director despite the dismissal attempt, citing personal obligations to finish investigations, free remaining hostages in Gaza, and prepare potential successors. Bar also criticized Netanyahu’s expectation of loyalty, saying it contradicts public interest.
The Shin Bet recently issued a report accepting responsibility for its failures around the Oct. 7 attack and criticizing Netanyahu’s policies. The agency said its attempts to thwart Hamas’ threat were not implemented, revealing a “long and deliberate disregard” from the political leadership.
Netanyahu has resisted calls for an official state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7 attack and blames failed government policies on the army and security agencies. However, Bar remains one of the few senior security officials since the attack to remain in office.
The move is seen as a power struggle between Netanyahu’s loyalists and those investigating connections between his office and Qatar, with the Shin Bet investigating staff members for their dealings with the country.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/israel-shin-bet-netanyahu-security-c33f6e2f9ace753e36cde694207ebae6