Egypt Daily News – Israeli media reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar due to what he described as a “continuous lack of trust,” a move that signals a major crisis within Israel.
Channel 13 stated: “In a dramatic development that warns of a security and political crisis within Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday evening his decision to dismiss the head of the General Security Service (Shin Bet), Ronen Bar, citing a ‘continuous lack of trust’ between the two, after months of tension and both public and covert clashes.”
The channel noted that “during an urgent meeting in which Bar was summoned to his office, Netanyahu informed him of his intention to present the dismissal decision to the government at its upcoming meeting on Wednesday.”
Netanyahu’s statement read: “We are in the midst of an existential war on seven fronts, At such critical moments, the prime minister cannot operate without placing full trust in the head of the General Security Service. Unfortunately, I no longer have this trust; instead, there is a continuous and increasing lack of trust, which is why I have decided to propose to the government the termination of the Shin Bet chief’s tenure.”
According to the channel, this decision follows a public trust crisis that erupted in recent days, reaching its peak when Netanyahu accused the current Shin Bet head, Ronen Bar, and his predecessor, Nadav Argaman, of attempting to “blackmail a sitting prime minister through threats.”
Argaman sparked a political storm in Israel after stating in an interview with Channel 12: “If I become convinced that the prime minister has acted against the law, I will be forced to reveal everything I know, even though I have avoided saying so until now.”
Israeli police summoned Argaman for questioning on Sunday following Netanyahu’s complaint, in which he claimed that the former Shin Bet head was trying to threaten and blackmail him through organized criminal methods.
Netanyahu also accused Ronen Bar of “leading a campaign of extortion and threats against him through media leaks aimed at preventing him from making necessary decisions to reform the Shin Bet, which failed on October 7,” referring to Hamas’s surprise attack that led to widespread criticism of Israeli security agencies.
In response, the Shin Bet issued a rare and strongly worded statement rejecting Netanyahu’s accusations, saying: “This is a serious allegation against the head of a government agency in the State of Israel. Shin Bet head Ronen Bar dedicates his full time to security matters, efforts to recover hostages, and protecting democracy. Any other claim is baseless.”
The ruling coalition welcomed Netanyahu’s decision. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi described Bar’s dismissal as a “necessary and urgent move,” adding: “The Shin Bet chief is among those responsible for the October 7 disaster, and he continues to undermine Israel’s security under the guise of security authority. His dismissal is essential to restoring public trust.”
Education Minister Yoav Kisch also supported the dismissal, saying: “After the serious security failure and the loss of trust between the prime minister and the Shin Bet head, he should have resigned. Since he didn’t, the prime minister is right to terminate his tenure.”
National Security Minister and leader of the “Otzma Yehudit” party, Itamar Ben Gvir, considered the decision a “long-awaited victory,” stating: “Officials who act politically against the elected government should not be allowed to remain in their positions. We must learn from Trump how to eliminate the deep state.”
On the other hand, opposition leaders strongly condemned the decision. Yair Golan, leader of the Democratic Party and a retired general, said: “Netanyahu has declared war on the State of Israel. The dismissal of the Shin Bet chief is a desperate attempt by a criminally indicted individual to get rid of someone loyal to the state who is investigating his corruption cases.”
He added: “Netanyahu is in a state of hysteria, firing and threatening as he tries to eliminate the gatekeepers. This dismissal will not pass quietly. There is massive resistance that will stand against his attempts to turn Israel into a corrupt dictatorship.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s Attorney General has requested to discuss Bar’s dismissal with Netanyahu.
This move raises serious concerns about its direct impact on the Shin Bet, especially amid ongoing security tensions on multiple fronts and the pressing issue of hostages, which remains a top priority for Israel. Observers warn that dismissing the Shin Bet chief at the peak of a security and political crisis could destabilize the agency and affect its performance during this critical period.
As security threats continue and military operations persist, Netanyahu faces an open confrontation with the security and judicial establishments. His opponents warn that Israel is heading toward a defining moment that could reshape its political and security landscape.
Wednesday’s government meeting is expected to be crucial, as ministers will vote on a decision that could trigger a political and security earthquake in Israel.
