Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu removes Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar despite protests and legal concerns

The Israeli government has officially dismissed Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency, following three days of protests against the decision. The move comes amid tensions between Bar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had declared a loss of confidence in him last week.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the decision was unanimously approved, with Bar set to leave his position by 10 April or upon the appointment of his successor.

Bar’s tenure, originally set to last until next year, had been marked by increasing tensions with Netanyahu, particularly over judicial reforms, security failures, and ongoing investigations into the prime minister’s close aides.

An internal Shin Bet report published earlier this month highlighted the agency’s failure to prevent the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023. While the report acknowledged Shin Bet’s shortcomings, it also pointed to Israeli policy failures that allowed Hamas to expand its military capabilities.

Bar had also been leading sensitive investigations into Netanyahu’s inner circle, probing allegations of leaked classified documents and illicit financial dealings with Qatar. The dismissals of key legal and security figures in recent months have led to concerns about Netanyahu’s efforts to consolidate power as he continues to fight corruption charges in court.

In a letter to cabinet ministers, Bar condemned his dismissal as being tainted by conflicts of interest, stating that the decision was politically motivated rather than based on security concerns.

The removal of the Shin Bet chief has intensified public outrage, with thousands of protesters taking to the streets. Demonstrators opposing both Bar’s firing and the renewed fighting in Gaza have united in widespread unrest, denouncing Netanyahu’s leadership and calling the decision a threat to Israeli democracy.

Legal experts have warned that the firing of the Shin Bet chief, combined with Netanyahu’s ongoing attempts to remove Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, raises serious concerns about government overreach.

Despite growing opposition, the government remains firm in its decision, and Bar is expected to vacate his position in the coming weeks.