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Netanyahu wants to remove security director
(MENAFN) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to remove Shin Bet director Ronen Bar, citing a “lack of trust” and the need to restore the agency following its failures ahead of the October 7 Hamas attack.
In a video statement on Sunday, Netanyahu said he would propose Bar’s dismissal to the government, arguing that the move is essential for achieving Israel’s war objectives and preventing future tragedies. He accused Bar of orchestrating media leaks and internal pressure to block necessary reforms in the security agency.
The decision comes after a recent Shin Bet report admitted that the agency misjudged the threat from Hamas and failed to act on warning signs before the attack, which left over 1,200 Israelis dead and 250 taken hostage. The agency acknowledged that the massacre “could have been prevented” with different actions.
However, Netanyahu’s attempt to oust Bar has sparked controversy. Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara questioned whether the prime minister has the legal authority to remove the security chief. While government officials backed the move as long overdue, opposition leaders condemned it as undemocratic, accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing personal interests over national security.
Bar, who has led Shin Bet since 2021, rejected the call for his resignation, insisting that his responsibility is to the Israeli public, not personal loyalty to the prime minister. He blamed government policies on Gaza for the October 7 attack and emphasized the need for continuity amid ongoing security threats, hostage negotiations, and critical investigations.
Additionally, Netanyahu has removed Bar and Mossad chief David Barnea from ceasefire talks with Hamas, accusing them of leaking sensitive details and being too lenient. Meanwhile, Shin Bet is investigating allegations that Netanyahu’s aides lobbied on behalf of Qatar, an inquiry that Netanyahu’s office has dismissed as politically motivated.
In a video statement on Sunday, Netanyahu said he would propose Bar’s dismissal to the government, arguing that the move is essential for achieving Israel’s war objectives and preventing future tragedies. He accused Bar of orchestrating media leaks and internal pressure to block necessary reforms in the security agency.
The decision comes after a recent Shin Bet report admitted that the agency misjudged the threat from Hamas and failed to act on warning signs before the attack, which left over 1,200 Israelis dead and 250 taken hostage. The agency acknowledged that the massacre “could have been prevented” with different actions.
However, Netanyahu’s attempt to oust Bar has sparked controversy. Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara questioned whether the prime minister has the legal authority to remove the security chief. While government officials backed the move as long overdue, opposition leaders condemned it as undemocratic, accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing personal interests over national security.
Bar, who has led Shin Bet since 2021, rejected the call for his resignation, insisting that his responsibility is to the Israeli public, not personal loyalty to the prime minister. He blamed government policies on Gaza for the October 7 attack and emphasized the need for continuity amid ongoing security threats, hostage negotiations, and critical investigations.
Additionally, Netanyahu has removed Bar and Mossad chief David Barnea from ceasefire talks with Hamas, accusing them of leaking sensitive details and being too lenient. Meanwhile, Shin Bet is investigating allegations that Netanyahu’s aides lobbied on behalf of Qatar, an inquiry that Netanyahu’s office has dismissed as politically motivated.
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