At a ceremony held on May 13, 2024, Ronen Bar, the head of Israel’s Shin Bet security agency, was present to honor the fallen soldiers of Israel’s wars and victims of attacks at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem. Following a period of tension, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intention to remove Ronen Bar from his position as chief of the Shin Bet security service. Netanyahu met with Bar and conveyed his proposal for removal to the government, as stated by the prime minister’s office on Sunday. While Netanyahu is thought to have the necessary government support for the removal, the decision may face potential challenges in Israel’s Supreme Court. In response, Bar stated that he plans to fulfill certain obligations before stepping down, emphasizing the importance of the trust placed in the Shin Bet chief by the citizens of Israel. Netanyahu cited his ongoing lack of trust in Bar as the reason behind the decision, stressing the need for full confidence in the head of the Shin Bet, especially during times of conflict. Netanyahu linked Bar’s removal to Israel’s strategic objectives in Gaza and the prevention of future disasters. The prime minister has previously criticized the agency for security failures that led to significant casualties in attacks by Hamas. An internal investigation by the Shin Bet acknowledged shortcomings in preventing these attacks and indirectly criticized Netanyahu’s policies as contributing to the security challenges. Netanyahu’s decision to remove Bar from the negotiation team dealing with Hamas, alongside the Mossad chief, drew criticism from opposition leaders who viewed it as a politically motivated action. Despite mixed reactions within the government, some members supported Netanyahu’s move as essential for accountability and national security.
Israel’s former National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, initiated a series of disputes with Bar over the treatment of Palestinian prisoners and other issues more than a year ago. In response to Netanyahu’s decision, Ben Gvir stated that “there is no place in a democratic state for officials who behave politically against me and against elected officials.” He has consistently advocated for Bar’s dismissal. Stay updated with the latest CNN news and newsletters by signing up for an account at CNN.com.
