Netanyahu Moves to Dismiss Shin Bet Chief Amid Intensifying Power Struggle
The Israeli Prime Minister's effort to remove Ronen Bar deepens tensions over accountability for the Hamas attack that escalated the conflict in Gaza.
TEL AVIV: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday his intention to seek the dismissal of Ronen Bar, the head of the internal security service Shin Bet, a move reflecting rising tensions between the two leaders amid ongoing investigations into the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that triggered the current conflict in Gaza.
Netanyahu has expressed a growing distrust towards Bar, stating that this sentiment has intensified over time.
Bar has publicly countered Netanyahu’s intentions, asserting his plan to remain in his position for the foreseeable future, primarily citing his commitments to securing the release of remaining hostages in Gaza and overseeing critical ongoing investigations.
The Shin Bet, which is tasked with monitoring Palestinian militant groups, released a report acknowledging its failures related to the Hamas attack while also attributing part of the responsibility to the government’s prior policies.
In a noteworthy defense of its own efforts, Shin Bet emphasized that its capability to resist the Hamas threat was hampered by a lack of implementation of its warnings by the political leadership.
Bar’s comments underscored what he characterized as a long-standing disregard from political figures towards the agency’s alerts, highlighting the importance of accountability in security matters.
Tensions escalated over the weekend when Nadav Argaman, Bar's predecessor, indicated his willingness to disclose sensitive information about Netanyahu if any legal breaches by the Prime Minister were identified.
In response, Netanyahu accused Argaman of attempted blackmail and subsequently filed a police report.
Amidst these developments, Netanyahu has resisted calls for a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the October 7 attack, instead aiming to shift blame toward military and security agencies.
Several high-ranking security officials, including a defense minister and army chief, have been dismissed or pressured to resign in recent months, while Bar has remained one of the few senior officials unscathed since the onset of the war.
Netanyahu has articulated that the removal of Bar is essential to achieving Israel's wartime objectives and averting additional crises.
Although parliamentary approval from the Knesset is required for such a significant personnel decision, there appears to be support within the legislature for Netanyahu's proposal.
However, this dismissal also necessitates the authorization of the attorney general, Gali Baharav-Miara, whose relationship with Netanyahu has been contentious.
This potential legal battle is compounded by concerns regarding ongoing investigations into connections between Netanyahu's office and Qatar, a country involved in mediation efforts concerning the Gaza conflict.
Critics, including the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, have decried Netanyahu’s actions as undermining the rule of law and questioned his authority to pursue Bar's removal amid ongoing investigations involving his own office.
The Shin Bet has played a significant role in hostage negotiations and has faced opposition from Netanyahu, who recently appointed a loyalist to the negotiating team in place of Bar.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid has accused Netanyahu of attempting to dismiss Bar in retaliation for the investigation into ties with Qatar, declaring the Prime Minister's actions politically motivated and shameful.
Netanyahu has expressed a growing distrust towards Bar, stating that this sentiment has intensified over time.
Bar has publicly countered Netanyahu’s intentions, asserting his plan to remain in his position for the foreseeable future, primarily citing his commitments to securing the release of remaining hostages in Gaza and overseeing critical ongoing investigations.
The Shin Bet, which is tasked with monitoring Palestinian militant groups, released a report acknowledging its failures related to the Hamas attack while also attributing part of the responsibility to the government’s prior policies.
In a noteworthy defense of its own efforts, Shin Bet emphasized that its capability to resist the Hamas threat was hampered by a lack of implementation of its warnings by the political leadership.
Bar’s comments underscored what he characterized as a long-standing disregard from political figures towards the agency’s alerts, highlighting the importance of accountability in security matters.
Tensions escalated over the weekend when Nadav Argaman, Bar's predecessor, indicated his willingness to disclose sensitive information about Netanyahu if any legal breaches by the Prime Minister were identified.
In response, Netanyahu accused Argaman of attempted blackmail and subsequently filed a police report.
Amidst these developments, Netanyahu has resisted calls for a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the October 7 attack, instead aiming to shift blame toward military and security agencies.
Several high-ranking security officials, including a defense minister and army chief, have been dismissed or pressured to resign in recent months, while Bar has remained one of the few senior officials unscathed since the onset of the war.
Netanyahu has articulated that the removal of Bar is essential to achieving Israel's wartime objectives and averting additional crises.
Although parliamentary approval from the Knesset is required for such a significant personnel decision, there appears to be support within the legislature for Netanyahu's proposal.
However, this dismissal also necessitates the authorization of the attorney general, Gali Baharav-Miara, whose relationship with Netanyahu has been contentious.
This potential legal battle is compounded by concerns regarding ongoing investigations into connections between Netanyahu's office and Qatar, a country involved in mediation efforts concerning the Gaza conflict.
Critics, including the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, have decried Netanyahu’s actions as undermining the rule of law and questioned his authority to pursue Bar's removal amid ongoing investigations involving his own office.
The Shin Bet has played a significant role in hostage negotiations and has faced opposition from Netanyahu, who recently appointed a loyalist to the negotiating team in place of Bar.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid has accused Netanyahu of attempting to dismiss Bar in retaliation for the investigation into ties with Qatar, declaring the Prime Minister's actions politically motivated and shameful.
