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Netanyahu moves to fire Shin Bet chief amid ‘ongoing distrust’

Netanyahu’s decision to oust Ronen Bar comes amid dispute over accountability for October’s security failures

March 17, 2025 10:48
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Ronen Bar, chief of Israel's domestic Shin Bet security agency, attends a ceremony marking Memorial Day (Image: Getty)
3 min read

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced his intention to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, escalating tensions that have been simmering for months between the two men.

On Sunday evening, Netanyahu summoned Bar to his office for an urgent meeting, during which he informed the Shin Bet head that the cabinet would vote on his dismissal later in the week.

In a video statement after the meeting, the prime minister said: “At all times, but especially during an existential war such as the one we face, there must be full trust between the prime minister and the head of the Shin Bet.”

“But unfortunately, the situation is the opposite — I do not have such trust. I have ongoing distrust in the head of the Shin Bet, a distrust that has grown over time.”