Netanyahu seeks to oust Israel’s domestic security service chief Ronen Bar
Israeli leader at odds with Shin Bet’s chief over the October 7 attack and possible links between employees in Netanyahu’s office and Qatar
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told the head of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence service that he would ask the government to approve his dismissal this week, a statement from Netanyahu’s office said on Sunday.
Ronen Bar’s sacking would be likely to draw widespread criticism as Israel faced the prospect of a renewal of fighting in Gaza with dozens of Israeli hostages still held there.
Netanyahu said he had long ago lost confidence in Bar and that trust in the head of the domestic security service, whose roles include counterterrorism and security for government officials, was especially crucial at a time of war.
Bar said the only confidence he was obliged to win was that of Israel’s citizens, and that Netanyahu’s expectations of “personal trust” went against state interests, with possible escalation in Gaza looming.
Bar’s dismissal will be brought before government on Wednesday, according to an official close to Netanyahu, but could face legal challenges.
Israel’s Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara issued a letter to Netanyahu late Sunday saying he cannot fire Bar until he “clarifies the factual and legal basis underlying his decision”.