Israel’s government has voted to remove Ronen Bar as head of the Shin Bet internal security service, a decision that may still face challenges in the Supreme Court.
The move follows reports that Shin Bet recently launched an investigation into allegations that members of Netanyahu’s office improperly lobbied for Qatar—claims his office denies.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara had warned Netanyahu’s government that Bar’s dismissal required approval from a special committee. In response, Netanyahu accused her of overstepping her authority. Hours before the vote, Bar criticized the process as rushed and legally flawed.
Netanyahu previously removed both Bar and Mossad chief David Barnea from ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. He cited “ongoing distrust” in Bar as the reason for his removal, saying full confidence in Shin Bet’s leadership was essential, particularly during wartime. Netanyahu also blamed Shin Bet leadership for security failures leading up to Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack, which killed over 1,200 people.
Shin Bet’s internal investigation admitted failures in preventing the attack but also pointed to Netanyahu’s policies as contributing factors, including visits by politicians to the Al Aqsa compound, prisoner policies, and societal divisions.
Bar will step down on April 10, 2025, or when a permanent replacement is appointed.
