The Israeli government has decided to dismiss the director of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, in a move that is unprecedented in the country’s history, local media reported.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the decision, stating that Bar will leave office on April 10, 2025, or earlier, if his successor is appointed.
The decision was made unanimously at a cabinet meeting, and the Israeli newspaper “Times of Israel” points out that such a move has never happened before in the structure of the Israeli internal security service.
Reaction of the dismissed director
Ronen Bar immediately reacted to the decision, sending a letter to the government in which he claims that his dismissal is based on unfounded accusations and that there are political motives behind it.
“The text of the decision contains vague and unfounded allegations that do not give me the opportunity to adequately express myself, which indicates hidden motives behind this dismissal,” Bar wrote.
He also warned of the seriousness of the current situation in Israel, noting that the country is going through an extremely sensitive period.
“There are still 59 hostages in Gaza, Hamas has not been defeated, the war is ongoing on multiple fronts, and Iran is increasingly expanding its influence,” he added.
Netanyahu explains decision
Prime Minister Netanyahu announced his decision to dismiss Barr on Sunday night, citing “lack of trust” as the key reason.
However, Barr suggested that his dismissal had a deeper political background, alluding to his unwillingness to submit to the prime minister’s demands for personal loyalty.
Escalation of conflict in Gaza
The decision to dismiss Barr comes as Israeli forces continue their intense attacks on the Gaza Strip. More than 700 Palestinians have been killed in the latest airstrikes, while over 900 people have been wounded, despite an earlier ceasefire agreement.
Since October 2023, the Israeli military offensive has claimed nearly 50,000 Palestinian lives, while more than 112,000 people have been injured, with women and children making up the majority of the casualties.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
At the same time, Israel is facing genocide charges before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), further increasing pressure on the Netanyahu administration.
