Netanyahu Moves to Dismiss Shin Bet Chief, Triggering Political and Security Crisis
The unprecedented decision to fire Shin Bet head Ronen Bar amid an ongoing war and internal disputes deepens divisions in Israel, raises constitutional concerns, and could impact the Gaza war and hostage deal.
Watan-Amid an ongoing war and sharp internal disputes over forming an official investigative committee, Israel is experiencing an unprecedented political and security crisis following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement of his initiative to dismiss Shin Bet (Israel’s internal security service) chief Ronen Bar.
This move could trigger a constitutional crisis, further fuel divisions between two opposing camps over fundamental issues, and impact the course of the war and the stalled hostage deal. It may also increase the likelihood of disrupting the agreement and resuming military operations in Gaza with targeted strikes and long-range firepower.
First-Ever Dismissal of a Shin Bet Chief
For the first time in Israel’s history, a prime minister has declared his intention to fire the head of Shin Bet. The issue will be presented for government approval in a meeting on Wednesday, with a majority of ministers reportedly in favor. If Bar is dismissed and the Supreme Court does not intervene, his likely successor will be one of two leading candidates—his former deputy, known as “M,” or his current deputy, “R.”
Official Reason vs. Real Motives
Netanyahu justified his decision in a video statement on Sunday night, citing a loss of trust in the Shin Bet chief. He stated:”In an existential war like the one we are in, the prime minister must have complete confidence in the head of Shin Bet. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. This step is urgent to restore the organization and prevent a future catastrophe.”
With this, Netanyahu heavily implied that Shin Bet bears responsibility for the failure of October 7, shifting the blame onto Bar.
However, the timing—14 months after the intelligence failure—raises questions about the real motives behind Netanyahu’s dramatic move. Observers point to deeper political calculations, including an ongoing effort by the political leadership to pin the blame for the October 7 disaster—considered even more humiliating than the Yom Kippur War of 1973—on the security establishment. Netanyahu has already accused top military and intelligence officials of failure, leading to resignations within the army and the departure of former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Netanyahu’s hostility toward security officials was further inflamed by internal Shin Bet investigations that acknowledged responsibility for the intelligence failure but also blamed Netanyahu’s governments for years of inaction. The reports highlighted how Netanyahu ignored recommendations to assassinate Hamas leaders, wrongly believed the group was deterred, and allowed Qatari funds to flow into Gaza, which ultimately strengthened Hamas’ military capabilities.
Another major factor is the recent investigation into Netanyahu’s close advisors regarding their ties to Qatar and suspicions that they received financial benefits. A satirical cartoon in Haaretz depicts Bar lifting the lid of a boiling pot labeled “Qatar-Gate,” only to find Netanyahu inside saying, “We are in an existential war!”—mocking Netanyahu’s justification for his actions.
Additionally, another secretive investigation involving Netanyahu’s office has been uncovered by Haaretz, though a legal gag order prevents details from being published.
Netanyahu’s leadership style has also drawn comparisons to Donald Trump, with analysts suggesting he is attempting to consolidate power by appointing only loyalists, disregarding legal and democratic norms. His recent visit to Washington reinforced this perception.
Implications for the Gaza War
Some analysts suggest that the timing of the dismissal is linked to the war in Gaza. As Israel enters a new phase of fighting without a hostage deal and with no clear explanation to the public, Netanyahu’s decision may serve as a distraction.
Nahum Barnea, a political commentator for Yedioth Ahronoth, warned that such a crisis of trust in the middle of a war is highly dangerous.
Shortly after Netanyahu’s announcement, Ronen Bar issued an unprecedented response, stating:
“The Shin Bet chief’s duty of trust is, first and foremost, to the citizens of the state. A prime minister’s expectation of personal loyalty contradicts the Shin Bet law and is entirely invalid.”
This statement sparked outrage among right-wing factions and media, who accused Bar of inciting a rebellion and causing a constitutional crisis. Shin Bet later released an official statement confirming that Bar would comply with any decision regarding his position.
Meanwhile, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara—who is also facing threats of dismissal from Justice Minister Yariv Levin—warned that Netanyahu’s decision might be illegal.
“You cannot dismiss the head of Shin Bet without a factual and legal basis. This is not a personal loyalty position, and there are concerns that this step is tainted by illegality and improper considerations,” she said.
Israel on the Path of Poland and Hungary?
Former Supreme Court President Dorit Beinisch expressed deep concern, warning that Netanyahu’s move represents a dangerous shift toward authoritarianism. Speaking to Israeli public radio, she stated:
“This means appointing senior officials based on personal loyalty, which signals that Israel is heading toward a dictatorship. Israelis must wake up quickly.”
A former senior Shin Bet official echoed these concerns, arguing that Netanyahu’s decision damages Israel by eroding mutual trust between the prime minister and security leadership.
Opposition Reacts: “A War Against the State”
While Netanyahu’s ministers support the move, the opposition fiercely condemned it.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid announced that his Yesh Atid party would petition the Supreme Court to overturn Netanyahu’s decision, a move that reflects the opposition’s weakness. Rather than leading mass protests, they are turning to legal avenues, revealing their exhaustion and inability to mount a significant challenge. Netanyahu likely sensed this weakness, having successfully dismissed Defense Minister Gallant during the war with little backlash.
Former Deputy Chief of Staff Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party, declared:
“Netanyahu is waging war against the state.”
Meanwhile, former IDF Chief of Staff and current lawmaker Gadi Eisenkot warned that Netanyahu is conducting political purges that require a massive public protest.
Media Backlash and Warnings of a Civil War
Most Israeli analysts and commentators have harshly criticized Netanyahu’s move. Haaretz military analyst Amos Harel accused Netanyahu of tightening his grip on Shin Bet while trying to escape accountability for October 7. He warned:
“The future of democracy now depends on the attorney general, the Supreme Court, and—most importantly—the public’s vigilance.”
Nahum Barnea of Yedioth Ahronoth highlighted the gravity of the crisis, stating:
“Under the current government, Israelis—whether soldiers on the Gaza border or Supreme Court justices—fall into two groups: those who believe things are normal and those who see Netanyahu and his allies have shattered all the rules. Ronen Bar belongs to the second group.”
Barnea described the conflict between Netanyahu and Bar as a prelude to a form of civil war—not yet fought with weapons, but marked by deep mistrust and internal disobedience within security agencies.
He warned:
“This will end with a transformed Shin Bet, a restructured judiciary, a different Supreme Court, and revised basic laws. A prime minister without restraints will become an absolute ruler, with a failing government blindly following him.”
“A Moment of Courage”
Political analyst Nadav Eyal called Bar’s defiant response a historic act of bravery, stating:
“His declaration of loyalty to the state—not Netanyahu—will be remembered as an extraordinary moment of courage in our history.”
Meanwhile, veteran political commentator Sima Kadmon wrote:
“Netanyahu is alone. He demands accountability from everyone except himself. Instead of taking responsibility and resigning, he is eliminating every ‘hero’ of October 7—until he is left standing alone.”
On the other hand, right-wing columnist Nava Dromi dismissed the criticism, arguing:
“It’s time for elected officials to rule—not bureaucrats. That’s democracy.”
Can Netanyahu Legally Dismiss the Shin Bet Chief?
While Israeli law allows a prime minister to dismiss a Shin Bet chief, the process requires proper justification and adherence to legal procedures. Whether Netanyahu can successfully push through this decision—or whether legal and public resistance will block him—remains to be seen.
