Israel: Netanyahu Announces Dismissal of Shin Bet Chief Over ‘Lack of Trust’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to dismiss Ronen Bar, the Shin Bet chief, citing a deepening lack of trust as essential during the ongoing security crisis. This decision follows Bar’s criticism of intelligence failures related to the October 7 Hamas attack. Netanyahu's move could destabilize the agency amid current conflicts.
hassan benyoub 
Jerusalem, March 16, 2025 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Sunday his intent to sack Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet internal security agency, citing a deepening “lack of trust.” In a video statement to “Israel’s citizens” released by his office, Netanyahu said, “I have decided to propose to the government the termination of the Shin Bet chief’s tenure,” emphasizing the need to “restore the organization, achieve all our war goals, and prevent the next disaster”—a clear nod to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
A Fractured Relationship
Netanyahu underscored the necessity of “complete trust” between himself and the Shin Bet head, especially during Israel’s “existential war.” “Unfortunately, the opposite is true. I do not have that trust,” he stated, noting that this rift “has grown over time.” Appointed in 2021 with a term set to end in 2026, Bar has faced mounting friction with Netanyahu, predating the October 7 assault but exacerbated by its fallout and prior political clashes.
On Thursday, Netanyahu accused Bar of orchestrating a “campaign of threats and media leaks” to thwart his efforts to reform the Shin Bet. Posts on X from March 13 reflect this tension, with @IsraelRadar_com quoting Netanyahu’s claim that Bar’s actions undermined his leadership. The rift traces back to 2023, when Bar’s agency clashed with Netanyahu over a judicial overhaul that sparked massive protests, exposing early fissures in their dynamic.
October 7 Fallout and Internal Critique
The breaking point came after a March 4, 2025, Shin Bet internal report admitted intelligence failures that missed the scale of Hamas’s unprecedented attack, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and triggered the ongoing Gaza war. While accepting institutional blame, the report also pointed fingers at Netanyahu’s government, arguing a “policy of calm” allowed Hamas to amass a “formidable military arsenal.” This indirect critique intensified their feud, with Netanyahu rejecting personal responsibility—a stance polls on X show divides Israeli opinion.
The two also differ on Bar’s successor. Tradition favors Bar’s deputy, but Netanyahu seeks direct control over the appointment, a power struggle now public. Posts on X, like @Jerusalem_Post’s Sunday update, speculate this reflects Netanyahu’s broader aim to tighten grip over security agencies amid wartime pressures.
Political and Strategic Stakes
Netanyahu’s move, requiring cabinet approval, comes as Israel navigates a multi-front conflict—Gaza, Hezbollah, and Houthi threats in Yemen, where U.S. strikes escalated Saturday. Bar’s tenure saw heightened security challenges, yet his exit could destabilize the Shin Bet at a critical juncture. Critics on X, such as @Haaretz, warn of politicizing a key institution, while supporters argue a leadership shakeup is overdue post-October 7.
As of 2:49 PM PDT, no replacement has been named, and Bar has not responded publicly. The dismissal, if ratified, ends a stormy chapter but risks fueling domestic unrest, with Netanyahu’s coalition already strained by war fatigue and judicial reform backlash.
