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JERUSALEM, 16 March, Reuters reports – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he will ask the government this week to dismiss Shin Bet Internal Security Chief Ronen Barak. This decision may cause widespread criticism, especially against the backdrop of the tense situation in the Gaza Strip, where dozens of Israeli hostages are still being held.
Lost trust or political games?
According to Netanyahu, he “lost trust” in Bar a long time ago, and this makes him unfit to lead the Shin Bet, the body responsible for fighting terrorism and security of government officials. At the same time, Bar himself has stated that his main task is to “win the trust of the citizens of Israel, not the personal approval of the prime minister”.
The resignation of the head of the Shin Bet threatens to exacerbate the political crisis in Israel, as Netanyahu’s decision looks like an attempt to strengthen control over the security forces. In addition, Israeli intelligence services continue to investigate possible links between the Prime Minister’s Office and Qatar, which played a key role in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations.
Gas on the verge of escalation
Bar’s resignation comes at a critical time: Israel is preparing to resume hostilities in Gaza, and the fate of the hostages remains uncertain. The war, which began after the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023, has become one of Israel’s biggest security failures. According to official figures, 1 ,200 people were killed in the attack, and 251 were captured by militants and taken to Gaza.
What will happen next?
A government meeting to consider Bar’s dismissal is scheduled for Wednesday. However, his resignation may be challenged in court, which will only deepen the internal crisis.
Given the difficult security situation and political tensions in the country, Netanyahu’s decision looks like a risky move. Whether it will help to strengthen his position or only exacerbate the split within Israeli elites is a question that will become clear in the coming days.
