Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar to step down on June 15 amid Netanyahu row

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
28 Apr 2025 23:28

Ronen Bar's departure follows a high-profile legal challenge he launched against prime minister's attempt to fire him.

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Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar (AFP)

"Israel's" Internal Security Chief Ronen Bar announced on Monday that he will resign on June 15, after a period of escalating tensions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had sought his dismissal over claims of eroded trust.

Speaking at a memorial event within the Shin Bet agency, Bar stated, "After 35 years of service, in order to allow an orderly process for appointing a permanent successor and for professional handover, I will end my role on June 15, 2025," according to an official statement.

Bar's departure follows a high-profile legal challenge he launched against Netanyahu's attempt to fire him, a dispute that stirred widespread controversy and divided opinion across the occupation. The Supreme Court had frozen Netanyahu's dismissal order pending a final decision, deepening the political crisis.

Tensions intensified after Bar accused Netanyahu, under oath, of pressuring him to act against anti-government protesters during the 2023 demonstrations and demanding personal loyalty. In response, Netanyahu submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court labeling Bar a "liar" and rejecting the accusations as "an absolute lie."

Bar also alleged that Netanyahu sought to exploit the Shin Bet for political gain, including efforts to delay testimony in the prime minister's ongoing corruption trial. Netanyahu's office dismissed these claims, stating that Bar "submitted a false affidavit to the Supreme Court today, which will be thoroughly refuted in due course."

Internal unrest

The leadership shake-up at Shin Bet marks a significant moment for "Israel's" internal security apparatus, which has been operating under mounting political pressure since the fallout from the October 7, 2023, events. Netanyahu had previously criticized the agency's performance during the attack, while Bar defended its actions, asserting that "nothing was hidden" from the prime minister or senior officials.

In a 23-page affidavit, Netanyahu charged that Bar "failed in his role as chief of Shin Bet and lost the confidence of the entire Israeli government as far as his ability to continue to manage the organisation." Meanwhile, opposition figures like Yair Lapid have warned that political tensions could spiral into violence, accusing Netanyahu of fostering a hostile environment toward Bar and other officials.

Although Bar has agreed to step down, the Supreme Court has ruled that he will remain in office until further notice while discussions between the government and the attorney general continue.