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Monday, Mar 17, 2025

Netanyahu Proposes Dismissal of Shin Bet Director Amid Security Crisis

Netanyahu Proposes Dismissal of Shin Bet Director Amid Security Crisis

Israeli Prime Minister seeks cabinet approval to remove security service head following failures linked to Hamas attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to seek the dismissal of Ronen Bar, the director of Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, through a cabinet vote expected this week.

In a video statement released on Sunday, Netanyahu cited “ongoing distrust” as a primary reason for his decision, which he characterized as vital during an ongoing war.

"At any time, but especially during such an existential war, the prime minister must have complete confidence in the director of Shin Bet," he stated, expressing concerns about the current relationship dynamics with Bar.

This announcement follows a deepening conflict between Netanyahu and Bar over the accountability for the failures that contributed to the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. This attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of 251 people, signaling a significant security lapse that has drawn severe scrutiny and outrage.

Shin Bet, which is responsible for monitoring Palestinian militant activities, recently acknowledged its shortcomings in a report but also directed criticism at the government, implicating Netanyahu's policies as contributing factors to the circumstances leading to the attack.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu has repeatedly denied any responsibility for the incident.

The proposed dismissal is supported by far-right allies, including Itamar Ben-Gvir, the former national security minister, who stated that the move was “better late than never.” Cabinet members loyal to Netanyahu have expressed their backing of his decision, framing it as a necessary step to “defend democracy.”

Conversely, opposition leader Yair Lapid has indicated plans to challenge Bar's potential dismissal legally.

Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak has denounced the move, claiming Netanyahu is “rebelling against the rule of law.”

The situation has escalated recently, with tensions between Bar and Netanyahu peaking over allegations of substantial financial aid from Qatar to Hamas.

Bar’s predecessor, Nadav Argaman, has threatened to unveil sensitive information about Netanyahu should he be found to have acted unlawfully, which led to Netanyahu filing a police complaint against Argaman for blackmail.

In response to the announcement, Bar defended his position, stating that the director of Shin Bet is accountable “first and foremost to the citizens of Israel.” He also criticized Netanyahu’s expectation for personal loyalty from security officials as contradicting the public interest.

Moreover, Bar has voiced support for calls for a comprehensive inquiry into the events surrounding the attacks.

Despite growing calls for a state commission of inquiry into the October attack, Netanyahu has consistently rejected such proposals and has sought to deflect blame onto military and intelligence agencies.

Several high-ranking security officials have already been dismissed or pressured to resign in the aftermath of the attack, leaving Bar as one of the last remaining key figures in place.

In light of these developments, Netanyahu claims that Bar’s removal is necessary to further Israel’s military objectives and prevent further disasters.

Amidst a backdrop of ongoing hostage negotiations related to the conflict in Gaza, Netanyahu has also sidelined Bar from the negotiation team in favor of a loyalist cabinet minister.

The political climate in Israel remains polarized, particularly following Netanyahu's controversial attempts to implement judicial changes widely criticized as authoritarian, an approach that many believe contributed to the lapse in security leading to the Hamas assault.

These tensions continue to challenge the Israeli government as it navigates the ongoing crisis.
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