Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken steps to remove the head of the country’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, Ronen Bar. Netanyahu is expected to present his decision to the cabinet for approval later this week. Bar, reacting to the decision, stated that “having personal loyalty expectations that conflict with the public interest is wrong.” It was noted that Netanyahu was inspired by Trump’s decisions to appoint loyal individuals to key positions.

According to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu met with Bar and informed him that he will present a decision draft to the government this week to end his tenure. It was noted that the cabinet meeting to vote on the dismissal of Shin Bet Director Bar will take place on Wednesday. In a video message, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated, “We are in the midst of a war on seven fronts. At all times, but especially in such an existential war, the Prime Minister must have complete trust in the Shin Bet chief.” Netanyahu expressed his lack of trust in Bar and justified the decision to dismiss him based on ongoing and increasing distrust over time. Netanyahu argued that despite having trust in Shin Bet, it was necessary for Bar to be removed from his position.

REACTION FROM INTELLIGENCE CHIEF BAR

Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar of Israel’s internal security agency responded to Netanyahu.

According to Israeli state television Kan, Bar said, “It is clear that my dismissal is not based on October 7.” Bar accused Netanyahu of acting personally by stating, “Having personal loyalty expectations that conflict with the public interest is wrong.” Bar used the words, “It is clear that the reason for my dismissal is not October 7. The Prime Minister stated that the decision is based on an alleged lack of trust between us.”

Bar indicated that a comprehensive investigation was being conducted regarding the intelligence errors and internal processes on October 7, highlighting that warnings from the organization had been deliberately and significantly ignored by the political echelon for a long time. Bar emphasized the need for questioning not only the military and internal intelligence organizations but also the government and Netanyahu on this matter. Bar stated that he would fulfill his obligation to prepare two likely candidates to the best of his ability.

ISRRAELI ATTORNEY GENERAL: CANNOT ARBITRARILY DISMISS

Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cannot arbitrarily dismiss Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar.

Miara emphasized the need to present the underlying reasons and legal basis for this decision, as well as investigating Netanyahu’s competence to make this decision. Miara stated that unless these steps are taken, it is not possible to dismiss Bar. Miara, pointing to the reason of “personal distrust” by Netanyahu, drew attention to the “extraordinary sensitivity” and “conflict of interest” of the issue.

DID HE TAKE INSPIRATION FROM TRUMP?

According to the American press, Netanyahu made the decision to dismiss him after his visit to the United States. Netanyahu is said to have been inspired by US President Donald Trump’s decisions to appoint loyal individuals to key positions. However, within the Israeli government, there are concerns that Netanyahu’s decision is illegal and creates a conflict of interest. It is noted that no Israeli government has ever removed any Shin Bet chief before.

WHY DID THEIR RELATIONSHIP SOUR? So what happened that led to the deterioration of relations between the Israeli Prime Minister and the Shin Bet Director? Just a few weeks ago, Shin Bet had launched an investigation into some of Netanyahu’s advisers over allegations of receiving money from Qatar. Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar’s term was originally set to end in October 2026. If the Israeli government approves Netanyahu’s decision, Ronen Bar will be the first Shin Bet Director to be removed from office.