Netanyahu dismisses Shin Bet chief over ‘lack of trust’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday his decision to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, citing a lack of trust between them, Anadolu has reported.

“At all times, and especially during an existential war like this, there must be complete trust between the prime minister and the head of Shin Bet,” said Netanyahu. “Unfortunately, the opposite is true; I no longer have that trust.”

Tensions between Netanyahu and the domestic security service escalated in recent days following Shin Bet’s internal investigation into the 7 October 2023 Hamas cross-border incursion. Netanyahu dismissed the report’s findings, saying that they failed to answer key questions.

The findings prompted opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz to demand an apology from Netanyahu. They accused him of deflecting blame.

READ: Conflict escalates between Netanyahu, Shin Bet chief due to 7 October defeat

Shin Bet acknowledged its failure to assess Hamas’ capabilities before the attack, but said that Netanyahu’s policies were also among the underlying causes.

The prime minister argued that Bar’s sacking was critical to achieving “war goals and total victory” in Gaza. The government will review the proposal on Wednesday, according to Israel’s Channel 12.

While several military and intelligence officials have resigned, taking partial responsibility for the failures of 7 October, Netanyahu has refused to accept any responsibility and has dismissed opposition calls for his government’s resignation and an early election.

Earlier on Sunday, police summoned former Shin Bet head Nadav Argaman for questioning after Netanyahu filed a complaint against him, reported Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

In an interview on Thursday, Argaman threatened to reveal sensitive information from his meetings with Netanyahu if the prime minister acted unlawfully. “We must end the war in Gaza immediately and bring back all the prisoners,” he said. “There is nothing in Gaza that justifies staying there.”

The next day, Netanyahu filed a complaint with Police Commissioner Daniel Levy. “I am asking you to open an immediate investigation, as all red lines have been crossed,” said the Israeli leader. “The former head of the Shin Bet chose to threaten and blackmail a sitting prime minister, using the methods of organised crime gangs, as if he were a mafia leader rather than a former Israeli security official.”

According to Netanyahu, “This crime is part of a broader campaign of blackmail and threats led by the current head of the Shin Bet [Ronen Bar], whose goal is to prevent me from making the necessary decisions to reform the Shin Bet after its disastrous failure on 7 October, 2023.”

In its response, Shin Bet called Netanyahu’s accusations “serious” and stressed that, “Ronen Bar dedicated all his time and efforts to safeguarding national security, working to bring back Israeli captives, and defending democracy.” The security service added that any other claims were baseless.

READ: Hamas deceived us, ex-Israel chief of staff says