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Head of Israel’s Shin Bet Intelligence Agency Resigns Amidst Controversy
The chief of Israel’s *Shin Bet* domestic intelligence agency has announced his resignation amid a public dispute with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ronen Bar stated he will vacate his position on June 15, following heated exchanges regarding the events leading up to the October 7 attacks and allegations of political interference.
Ronen Bar Announces Departure
Ronen Bar revealed his decision to step down from his role as head of the *Shin Bet* at a memorial event honoring agency members who died in the line of duty. His departure follows a period of intense conflict with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marked by accusations and legal challenges.
- Bar’s announcement occurred amidst a memorial service for fallen Shin Bet operatives.
- The resignation is scheduled for June 15.
Clash with Netanyahu
The resignation announcement came after a period of intense accusations between Bar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Prime Minister dismissed Bar last month, leading to legal challenges from the attorney general and the opposition, which initially stalled the dismissal.
Accountability and Remembrance
Bar said he opted to reveal his resignation on an evening that embodied “remembrance, heroism, and sacrifice.” He asserted that any public official who failed to prevent the Hamas-led incursions into Israel on October 7, 2023—which ignited the Gaza conflict—should “humbly bow” before those harmed and respond appropriately. This declaration underlines the weight of responsibility felt in the wake of the security failures.
Affidavits and Accusations
Netanyahu’s Allegations
On Sunday, Netanyahu submitted a sworn statement to the Supreme Court accusing Bar of dishonesty.
Bar’s Counter-Arguments
In his own sworn statement, Bar alleged that the prime minister demanded undue personal allegiance and instructed his agency to conduct surveillance on individuals protesting against the government.
Deepening Rifts in Israeli Politics
The confrontation has exposed growing divisions within Israeli politics and society. These rifts exist between right-wing factions supporting Netanyahu and more liberal segments of the population. Before the October 7 attacks, these liberal groups protested the government’s endeavors to limit the authority of the judiciary for months.
Core of the Dispute
The core of the conflict lies in Netanyahu’s assertion that he dismissed the *Shin Bet* head due to professional shortcomings.
- Netanyahu claims the dismissal was performance-related.
- Bar maintains political and personal motivations drove the decision.
Bar countered that his dismissal stemmed from political and personal reasons.
Allegations of Political Pressure
In his sworn statement, the intelligence chief stated it was “clear” that Netanyahu expected him to obey the prime minister rather than the courts if a constitutional crisis arose. He also alleged that Netanyahu pressured him to utilize the *Shin Bet* to monitor Israeli citizens leading or financially supporting anti-government demonstrations.
Concerns of Overreach
Many Israelis expressed alarm, viewing this as evidence of an unprecedented attempt to exceed the domestic intelligence agency’s authority.
Netanyahu’s Rebuttal
In his rebuttal, Netanyahu strongly criticized the *Shin Bet* head. “The accusation according to which I allegedly demanded action against innocent civilians, or against a non-violent and legitimate protest during the protests of 2023, is an absolute lie,” he stated.
Focus on Security Failures
Netanyahu also addressed the security deficiencies preceding and during the October 7 attacks, stating that Bar bore “massive and direct responsibility” for them. He added 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.”
Swift Response from Bar
Bar immediately responded, asserting that Netanyahu’s affidavit was “full of inaccuracies, biased quotes and half-truths aimed at taking things out of context and changing reality.”
Supreme Court Quandary
The Supreme Court faced a dilemma in determining whom to believe, a situation that Bar’s resignation may have partially resolved.
Future Proceedings
Bar clarified that he would participate in any future proceedings if required. “The court hearing is not about my personal affairs, but about the independence of the next heads of the *Shin Bet*, and of course I am ready to appear for any procedure that the court may require in this regard in the future,” he emphasized.
Heightened Societal Bitterness
The contentious allegations between the two men have once again highlighted the growing animosity between opposing segments of Israeli society. This division has been intensified by the widening chasm between supporters of Netanyahu’s hard-line government—who advocate continuing the Gaza war to eliminate Hamas at any cost—and those who prioritize the fate of the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas, even if it necessitates ending the war.