Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially terminated the position of Ronen Bar, the chief of the Shin Bet, citing a "profound distrust" between them. This decision comes in the aftermath of the catastrophic 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks that left about 1,200 Israelis dead and hundreds taken hostage. The Israeli cabinet confirmed Bar's dismissal in a meeting on Thursday evening, following Netanyahu's announcement in a video on Sunday.
Since the commencement of the conflict, the Shin Bet, which is essential in intelligence operations, has come under scrutiny for failing to foresee the attacks. Bar, appointed in October 2021 to a five-year term, accused the dismissal of being politically motivated. Tensions have escalated in Israel, where thousands rallied against Netanyahu's government and its military response to Hamas in Gaza, which has reportedly resulted in over 48,500 Palestinian deaths.
The letter sent by Netanyahu to his cabinet highlighted an ongoing "loss of professional and personal trust," emphasizing that this has worsened during the war. The future of Israeli public trust in government institutions hangs in the balance as Netanyahu faces increasing scrutiny and criticism from legal and political fronts.
With the return to hostilities and a surge in military attacks on Hamas, the Israeli political landscape remains tumultuous and uncertain, questioning the efficacy and accountability of its security agencies.
Since the commencement of the conflict, the Shin Bet, which is essential in intelligence operations, has come under scrutiny for failing to foresee the attacks. Bar, appointed in October 2021 to a five-year term, accused the dismissal of being politically motivated. Tensions have escalated in Israel, where thousands rallied against Netanyahu's government and its military response to Hamas in Gaza, which has reportedly resulted in over 48,500 Palestinian deaths.
The letter sent by Netanyahu to his cabinet highlighted an ongoing "loss of professional and personal trust," emphasizing that this has worsened during the war. The future of Israeli public trust in government institutions hangs in the balance as Netanyahu faces increasing scrutiny and criticism from legal and political fronts.
With the return to hostilities and a surge in military attacks on Hamas, the Israeli political landscape remains tumultuous and uncertain, questioning the efficacy and accountability of its security agencies.
