Netanyahu seeks dismissal of Israel's domestic security chief amid trust issues

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to remove the director of Shin Bet, Israel's internal security service, citing “ongoing distrust” during the ongoing war.

The decision to dismiss Ronen Bar follows tensions surrounding Shin Bet's failure to prevent the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

In a video statement, Netanyahu explained that trust in the head of the security service was critical during such an existential war. He expressed that his confidence in Bar had eroded over time, adding that this step was necessary to rehabilitate the organisation and prevent further catastrophes.

Shin Bet recently released a report acknowledging its role in the Hamas attack, while also pointing fingers at Netanyahu’s government for policies that contributed to the incident.

Bar has denied allegations of incompetence, insisting that his actions were in the public interest and arguing that Netanyahu’s push for loyalty conflicted with the security of the country.

The move also comes amid a controversial investigation into Netanyahu’s advisers, who are being probed for their alleged involvement in “Qatar-Gate” — a scandal involving payments from Qatar to Netanyahu’s office, which critics claim may have been used to influence the media and enhance Qatar’s image in Israel.

Opposition leaders have condemned Netanyahu’s decision, with Yair Lapid, leader of the Yesh Atid party, accusing Netanyahu of attempting to sabotage a criminal investigation into his office.

Lapid argues that Netanyahu’s decision to fire Bar is directly tied to the investigation into the alleged Qatari infiltration, and he claimed the prime minister is prioritising his personal interests over national security.

Netanyahu’s loyalists, however, have praised the move, with former national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir calling it “better late than never.”

This decision adds to ongoing political tensions in Israel, as Netanyahu’s handling of the security crisis remains under scrutiny.

The decision to remove Bar raises further concerns regarding Netanyahu’s control over Israel’s security apparatus, as the Israeli media and social media have continued to target Bar’s tenure.

His removal could lead to the appointment of a Netanyahu loyalist, thus potentially delaying investigations into the October attack.