Israel’s security chief condemns dismissal by Netanyahu amid political tensions
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, on April 4, 2023 (Courtesy of Times of Israel)
Ronen Bar, head of Israel’s Shin Bet internal security service, sent a letter to the government Thursday, condemning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss him.
Bar claimed the accusations against him were “unfounded” and masked political motives aimed at undermining the Shin Bet’s role. He highlighted his leadership in a hostage release deal with Hamas, which was carried out with Netanyahu’s knowledge.
Bar’s dismissal follows the political fallout from the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Netanyahu cited a “lack of trust” in Bar, but the Shin Bet chief hinted that the firing was due to his refusal to swear personal loyalty to the prime minister. Bar’s stance underscores the growing political tensions within Israel’s leadership.
Bar sent the letter while the government was convening to vote on his dismissal. Netanyahu’s announcement to fire Bar came on Sunday evening.
Israel kills nearly 50,000 people in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023
Nearly 50,000 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and over 112,000 injured in a brutal Israeli military onslaught in Gaza since October 2023.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
