Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Moves to Dismiss Shin Bet Chief Amid Controversy
Recent developments include police investigations into former Shin Bet head and accusations regarding security failures.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to dismiss the current head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, as confirmed by his office.
This decision follows a meeting between Netanyahu and Bar, during which Netanyahu informed Bar of his intent to propose the dismissal to the government.
Israeli Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu summoned Bar for an urgent meeting to present the proposal.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir expressed support for Netanyahu’s decision, stating it was a long-awaited action.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich characterized Bar’s replacement as a necessary step, suggesting Bar should have resigned over a year ago.
In contrast, opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu's handling of the situation, describing the manner of Bar's dismissal as disgraceful and indicative of a loss of control.
Lapid claimed that the timing of the dismissal was irresponsible, particularly concerning the fate of hostages.
Netanyahu has also filed a complaint against former Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman with police inspector general Dani Levy, alleging that Argaman threatened and extorted him while in office, likening his conduct to that of organized crime.
Netanyahu accused Bar of engaging in a pattern of intimidation aimed at obstructing necessary reforms within Shin Bet following its perceived failures on October 7, 2023.
Argaman responded to Netanyahu's allegations, indicating that he would reveal details of their meetings should Netanyahu act unlawfully.
He also emphasized the need to immediately end the conflict in Gaza and secure the release of hostages.
In response to Netanyahu’s accusations, Shin Bet issued a statement asserting that the claims against Bar are serious and unfounded.
The agency affirmed that Bar is committed to protecting Israel's national security and recovering Israeli hostages, contesting any allegations to the contrary.
The tensions between Netanyahu and Shin Bet have escalated recently, particularly following Netanyahu’s criticism of the agency's investigation into the events of October 7, which he said failed to address key questions.
The Shin Bet acknowledged its shortcomings in assessing the capabilities of Hamas prior to the attacks and hinted at Netanyahu's role in devising ineffective policies over the years.
In response to these developments, Lapid and opposition leader Benny Gantz have called on Netanyahu to apologize, asserting that he is attempting to deflect blame for the events preceding the October attacks.
This decision follows a meeting between Netanyahu and Bar, during which Netanyahu informed Bar of his intent to propose the dismissal to the government.
Israeli Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu summoned Bar for an urgent meeting to present the proposal.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir expressed support for Netanyahu’s decision, stating it was a long-awaited action.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich characterized Bar’s replacement as a necessary step, suggesting Bar should have resigned over a year ago.
In contrast, opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu's handling of the situation, describing the manner of Bar's dismissal as disgraceful and indicative of a loss of control.
Lapid claimed that the timing of the dismissal was irresponsible, particularly concerning the fate of hostages.
Netanyahu has also filed a complaint against former Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman with police inspector general Dani Levy, alleging that Argaman threatened and extorted him while in office, likening his conduct to that of organized crime.
Netanyahu accused Bar of engaging in a pattern of intimidation aimed at obstructing necessary reforms within Shin Bet following its perceived failures on October 7, 2023.
Argaman responded to Netanyahu's allegations, indicating that he would reveal details of their meetings should Netanyahu act unlawfully.
He also emphasized the need to immediately end the conflict in Gaza and secure the release of hostages.
In response to Netanyahu’s accusations, Shin Bet issued a statement asserting that the claims against Bar are serious and unfounded.
The agency affirmed that Bar is committed to protecting Israel's national security and recovering Israeli hostages, contesting any allegations to the contrary.
The tensions between Netanyahu and Shin Bet have escalated recently, particularly following Netanyahu’s criticism of the agency's investigation into the events of October 7, which he said failed to address key questions.
The Shin Bet acknowledged its shortcomings in assessing the capabilities of Hamas prior to the attacks and hinted at Netanyahu's role in devising ineffective policies over the years.
In response to these developments, Lapid and opposition leader Benny Gantz have called on Netanyahu to apologize, asserting that he is attempting to deflect blame for the events preceding the October attacks.
