ALBAWABA - The head of Israel’s Shin Bet security agency, Ronen Bar, has refused to step down despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss him. Instead, Bar demanded an independent investigation into security failures, including Netanyahu’s role.
Bar stated he will not leave office until all Israeli hostages are returned and emphasized the need for a full inquiry into government mismanagement. He accused Netanyahu of demanding personal loyalty, which he said contradicts the law and national interests.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed his decision to fire Bar, with Israeli media reporting that the prime minister had pressured him to resign for weeks. Additionally, former Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman has been summoned for questioning after Netanyahu accused him of crossing red lines.
The opposition condemned the move, with Yair Lapid calling it reckless and irresponsible, vowing to challenge it in Supreme Court. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett blamed Netanyahu for Israel’s security failures, urging him to resign. Meanwhile, far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich supported Bar’s dismissal.
The rift between Shin Bet and Netanyahu deepened after the agency’s report on the October 7, 2023 attacks, which blamed the government’s failed policies. Following the findings, opposition leaders urged Netanyahu to take responsibility instead of shifting blame to security officials.
With security tensions high and the possibility of renewed fighting in Gaza, Bar’s defiance signals a deepening crisis within Israel’s leadership.
