Israeli Government Dismisses Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar

Prime Minister Netanyahu cites loss of trust and operational failures as protests erupt over concerns about democratic governance.

The Israeli government unanimously approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, effective by April 10, 2025, or upon the appointment of a successor.
Netanyahu justified the decision by pointing to a loss of trust and operational shortcomings, including failures related to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
Ronen Bar had previously signaled his readiness to resign, taking responsibility for intelligence lapses highlighted in a Shin Bet internal investigation published earlier this month.
Opposition leaders have condemned the dismissal, accusing Netanyahu of consolidating executive power and undermining democratic norms, prompting widespread protests.
The decision coincides with resumed Israeli military operations in Gaza, with Netanyahu asserting that the actions are aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages.