Netanyahu Seeks to Oust Shin Bet Chief Over Security Lapses

Netanyahu Moves to Dismiss Shin Bet Chief Amid Security Fallout

March 17, 2025
ISRAEL – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to dismiss Ronen Bar, the director of the Shin Bet, following the security agency’s admission of critical lapses ahead of the October 7 Hamas attack. The assault resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the capture of 250 hostages.

In a video statement on Sunday, Netanyahu cited a “profound lack of trust” as the reason for seeking Bar’s removal. “This step is essential to restoring the Shin Bet, achieving all of our war objectives, and preventing another catastrophe,” he stated.

The prime minister accused Bar of spearheading “a campaign of threats and media leaks” to obstruct necessary reforms in the intelligence agency, which was heavily criticized for failing to anticipate the Hamas attack.

Security Failures and Internal Fallout

Netanyahu’s decision follows an internal Shin Bet report acknowledging that intelligence officials underestimated the threat from Hamas and failed to act on warning signs. The report admitted that the massacre “could have been prevented” if different measures had been taken both before and during the attack.

However, Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has pushed back against Netanyahu’s move, raising concerns over whether the prime minister has the legal authority to unilaterally remove Bar from his position.

Political and Institutional Clashes

The proposed dismissal has deepened political tensions within Israel. While some government officials welcomed the move, describing it as long overdue, opposition leaders denounced it as an attack on democratic norms. They accused Netanyahu of prioritizing political survival over national security.

Bar, who has led the Shin Bet since 2021, has refused to step down, asserting that his role is crucial given ongoing security concerns, hostage negotiations, and sensitive investigations. He placed the blame for the October 7 failure on the government’s long-standing Gaza policy, arguing that Netanyahu’s administration ignored repeated warnings from the intelligence agency.

“My duty is to the security of Israel and its people, not to an individual’s personal trust,” Bar declared in response to Netanyahu’s announcement.

Broader Security Shake-Up

Netanyahu has also removed both Bar and Mossad chief David Barnea from the Israeli government’s ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. The prime minister accused them of leaking information and adopting a stance that was too conciliatory toward the militant group.

Additionally, Shin Bet recently launched an internal investigation into allegations that Netanyahu’s aides engaged in lobbying efforts on behalf of Qatar. The prime minister’s office has dismissed any wrongdoing and, in turn, accused Shin Bet of selective enforcement by failing to scrutinize Netanyahu’s political rivals.

As Israel grapples with its security failures and ongoing conflict with Hamas, Netanyahu’s attempt to reshape the nation’s intelligence leadership is likely to face significant legal and political hurdles.