Netanyahu Moves to Oust Israel’s Shin Bet Director Amid Power Struggle/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to remove Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, escalating tensions over responsibility for the October 7 Hamas attack. The internal security agency has investigated Netanyahu’s close aides, and its recent report criticized government policies leading up to the attack. Israel’s attorney general has demanded a legal justification for Bar’s dismissal, while opposition leaders call the move politically motivated. The decision is expected to face legal and parliamentary challenges.
Netanyahu vs. Shin Bet: Quick Looks
- Power Struggle: Netanyahu wants to fire Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, citing “ongoing distrust.”
- Security Fallout: The Shin Bet report criticized Netanyahu’s government for ignoring warnings before the October 7 Hamas attack.
- Attorney General’s Pushback: Gali Baharav-Miara says Netanyahu must justify the dismissal legally before proceeding.
- Political Motivations?: Bar’s removal could slow momentum for an official inquiry into the attack.
- Investigations on Netanyahu’s Aides: The Shin Bet is probing Netanyahu’s staff for ties to Qatar, adding to tensions.
- Opposition Outrage: Yair Lapid calls the move “shameful”, vowing to challenge it in court.
Netanyahu’s Move to Fire Shin Bet Chief Sparks Political Crisis: Deep Look
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ignited a fierce political and security dispute by announcing plans to remove Shin Bet director Ronen Bar. The move comes amid a broader power struggle over accountability for the October 7 Hamas attack that triggered the ongoing Gaza war.
Security vs. Politics: The Battle Over Blame
Netanyahu has resisted calls for an official state commission of inquiry into the attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the kidnapping of over 250 hostages by Hamas. Instead, he has sought to shift blame onto Israel’s military and intelligence agencies.
The Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, recently released a report accepting partial responsibility but also criticizing Netanyahu’s leadership, stating that government policies contributed to the security failure.
Bar’s statement on the attack was particularly damning:
“The investigation reveals a long and deliberate disregard from the political leadership of the organization’s warnings.”
This has placed Netanyahu in direct conflict with Israel’s top security officials, many of whom have already resigned or been dismissed since the war began.
Attorney General Blocks Netanyahu’s Move
Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has intervened, demanding Netanyahu provide legal justification for Bar’s dismissal. She also issued a warning to the prime minister:
“The role of the Shin Bet is not to serve the personal trust of the prime minister.”
Baharav-Miara has had a tense relationship with Netanyahu, and earlier this month, Justice Minister Yariv Levin—a close Netanyahu ally—began efforts to remove her from office.
The Qatar Connection: Netanyahu’s Staff Under Investigation
Adding to the political drama, Shin Bet is investigating close members of Netanyahu’s staff for their dealings with Qatar.
Reports suggest that Netanyahu aides Jonatan Urich and Yisrael Einhorn ran a media campaign to improve Qatar’s image before the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Another former Netanyahu spokesperson, Eli Feldstein, was allegedly employed by a Qatar-backed firm that recruited Israeli journalists.
Qatar has played a key role as a mediator in hostage negotiations with Hamas, leading some to question whether Netanyahu’s government has undisclosed ties with Doha.
Political Fallout and Opposition Backlash
If Netanyahu succeeds in removing Bar, he is expected to appoint a loyalist to lead Shin Bet. Critics argue this would slow any push for a full commission of inquiry into the October 7 attack.
The move has drawn widespread condemnation, including from opposition leader Yair Lapid, who vowed to challenge Bar’s dismissal in court.
“This decision is shameful. Netanyahu is removing the head of Shin Bet for political reasons, not for security concerns.” — Yair Lapid
Lapid’s comments reflect broader concerns that Netanyahu is prioritizing political survival over national security, especially as he faces mounting protests over his leadership.
Netanyahu’s Control Over Security Agencies
Since the October 7 attack, Netanyahu has reshuffled Israel’s security leadership:
- Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was almost fired earlier but remains in his role after defying Netanyahu over military policy.
- Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi faced calls to resign but has stayed on despite internal disputes.
- Mossad Chief David Barnea has been deeply involved in hostage negotiations but has clashed with Netanyahu over deal-making strategies.
- Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar—the latest target of Netanyahu’s shake-up—is one of the few remaining security officials from before the war.
What Happens Next?
Netanyahu’s attempt to remove Bar requires approval from Israel’s parliament (Knesset), where he likely has enough support. However, legal hurdles remain, as Baharav-Miara’s intervention could delay or block the dismissal.
The decision also comes at a critical moment in Israel’s war with Hamas. Bar has been closely involved in negotiations to free Israeli hostages. His removal could disrupt those efforts, particularly as Netanyahu replaces him with a political ally.
A Deepening Political Crisis
With Netanyahu’s government already facing backlash over its judicial overhaul and handling of the war, this latest move adds fuel to the fire.
The Movement for Quality Government in Israel, a watchdog group, condemned Netanyahu’s actions, stating:
“This is a declaration of war on the rule of law. The prime minister cannot fire the Shin Bet chief just to cover his own mistakes.”
As protests continue and legal battles unfold, Netanyahu’s leadership is facing one of its biggest challenges yet. The fight over who controls Israel’s security could shape the country’s political future in the months ahead.
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