14 hours ago
19
March 17, 2025 | 04:43 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar in a cabinet meeting this week, following ongoing tensions between them during the Gaza war.
In a video statement, Netanyahu explained his decision, stating that he had long lost trust in Ronen Bar. As reported by Al Arabiya, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of trust in the head of the domestic security agency, especially during wartime.
Tensions escalated as Shin Bet investigated potential links between Netanyahu’s office staff and Qatar, which has been mediating ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.
Bar’s removal is expected to spark criticism in Israel, as it comes amid the country’s worst security crisis—Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the abduction of 251 people to Gaza.
As of now, neither Shin Bet nor Ronen Bar has issued an official response to the dismissal plan.
According to Reuters, last week Netanyahu and Ronen Bar had a public altercation over the agency's reforms. Netanyahu accused Shin Bet of failing to anticipate the October 7, 2023 attack and accused Ronen Bar of extortion.
Additionally, Netanyahu accused Bar of being involved in threats and media leaks, in an attempt to prevent Netanyahu from making the necessary decisions to restore Shin Bet after failing to prevent the October 7, 2023 attack.
On March 4, 2025, Israel admitted to failing to prevent the Hamas attack in 2023.
Shin Bet retaliated by condemning the unfounded allegations. "Ronen Bar has dedicated all his time to security matters, efforts to bring back the hostages, and defending democracy," the state agency stated.
Ronen Bar has been leading Shin Bet since 2021. His relationship with Netanyahu has been tense even before the Hamas attack, especially due to proposed judicial reforms that divided the country before the assault.
The relationship became increasingly strained after the release of Shin Bet's internal report on the attack on March 4, 2025.
After taking responsibility for the failure, Bar added that there needs to be a broader investigation into the role of Israel's security and political elements and their cooperation to truly understand how the unprecedented attack happened without being prevented.
Netanyahu has demanded Ronen Bar's resignation before his term ends in October 2026. However, Israeli media has reported that Bar has refused to step down.
Editor's Choice: Hamas, Israel Ceasefire Negotiations Enter a New Phase
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
DPR Committed to Supporting Palestine's Independence, Two-State Solution
2 hari lalu
According to Mardani Ali Sera, Indonesia continues to support a ceasefire and peace regarding the Israeli occupation in Palestine.
Hamas, Israel Ceasefire Negotiations Enter a New Phase
5 hari lalu
Hamas stated that a new phase of ceasefire negotiations with Israel officially began on Tuesday night.
U.S. Immigration Agents Arrest Palestinian Student Protester in Trump Crackdown
6 hari lalu
US immigration officials have arrested a pro-Palestinian student protester at Columbia University.
US, Hamas Discuss Release of Hostage Edan Alexander
7 hari lalu
Edan Alexander is the only remaining hostage of American-Israeli nationality who is still alive in Hamas captivity.
Ceasefire Deal Under Threat After Israeli Strike Kills 2 Gazans
7 hari lalu
Israeli attack killed two Palestinians in Rafah. The series of attacks took place as Hamas attempted to initiate ceasefire dialogue.
Israel, Hamas Ready to Discuss Ceasefire Phase Two
7 hari lalu
There are several positive indicators to begin the negotiation for the second ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas
U.S. Clarifies Talks with Hamas, Saying They Cannot Stay in Gaza
9 hari lalu
The U.S. State Department defends its meeting with Hamas.
Israel Deploys 3,000 Police Ahead of Al Aqsa First Friday Prayer in Ramadan
10 hari lalu
Since the beginning of Ramadan, Israel has restricted the entry of Palestinian worshipers to the Al Aqsa Mosque
Gaza on Trump's Threat Against Hamas: Israel Has Always Been the Problem
10 hari lalu
The government of Gaza says that the root of the problem is Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, not Hamas.
Hamas Says Trump Threats Encourage Netanyahu to Evade Gaza Ceasefire Deal
10 hari lalu
Hamas said Trump's repeated threats against Palestinians constituted support for Israel's Netanyahu to back out of the Gaza ceasefire.
