Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday his intention to remove Ronen Bar, the director of Israel's domestic intelligence agency, Shin Bet, raising concerns among critics regarding the independence of the agency.
This move highlights ongoing tensions between Netanyahu and key figures in Israel's security establishment, particularly over the management of the war in Gaza.
The decision to pursue Bar's termination follows Shin Bet investigations into allegations involving several Netanyahu aides, including claims of a leaked secret document to a foreign newspaper.
The Prime Minister's office stated that a draft resolution for Bar's ouster would be presented to the Israeli cabinet for approval this week.
However, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara indicated in a letter that Netanyahu cannot initiate this process until the legality of Bar's termination is reviewed, citing potential conflicts of interest.
Members of Netanyahu's coalition have expressed demands for Bar's dismissal, accusing him of undermining the prime minister, and have also called for Baharav-Miara's removal due to their strained relationship.
Any decision regarding Bar's removal, who has led Shin Bet since 2021, is likely to be contested in the Supreme Court.
In a video message, Netanyahu articulated that the firing was necessary due to his lack of trust in Bar, emphasizing the need for complete trust between the prime minister and the Shin Bet director during critical times.
Bar responded with a public statement, asserting that Netanyahu's expectation of “personal trust” contradicts the public's interests and the principles of Shin Bet law.
Bar also expressed his commitment to remain in his position until all hostages held in Gaza are returned and certain sensitive investigations are completed, alongside preparing potential successors.
This action follows the recent dismissal of two other security leaders who had conflicts with Netanyahu: the defense minister and the chief of staff of the Israeli military.
Former Shin Bet officials have voiced concerns regarding the potential for Netanyahu to appoint a successor to Bar based on political motives, warning that Israeli democracy is at risk.
Ami Ayalon, a former head of Shin Bet, stated that if Netanyahu succeeds in ousting Bar, it would signify a shift towards prioritizing personal loyalty to leadership over democratic principles.
This month, Shin Bet released a summary of its investigations into its own failures before and during the Hamas-led attack in October 2023, which criticized both Netanyahu's government and the agency itself. The report noted that while Shin Bet failed to warn of the attack, it had previously indicated that Hamas was not deterred and had recommended action against the group.
Furthermore, the report highlighted that political divisions within Israel had emboldened adversaries, contributing to national vulnerabilities, a finding perceived as a critique of Netanyahu's controversial judicial overhaul that has polarized the Israeli public.