Netanyahu Moves to Dismiss Shin Bet Chief Over Trust Breakdown

Israeli Prime Minister cites lack of confidence in Ronen Bar during critical wartime negotiations with Hamas.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to remove Ronen Bar as head of Shin Bet, Israel's internal security agency, citing a deep erosion of trust.
Netanyahu emphasized the need for complete alignment between the Prime Minister and Shin Bet leadership during what he described as an 'existential war.'
The decision follows tensions over the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, with an internal report highlighting intelligence failures and criticizing both Shin Bet and government policies.
Bar has suggested the dismissal stems from his refusal to conform to Netanyahu's demands for personal loyalty, while also pointing to ongoing security risks in Gaza as a reason to stay in his role temporarily.
The move has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and legal scrutiny from Israel's Attorney General, who has raised concerns over the legal and procedural basis for the dismissal.