Israel’s Cabinet voted unanimously to remove Ronen Bar from his post as head of Israel’s General Security Service (Shin Bet), Israeli media reported, citing the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to the cabinet decision, Bar’s last day in office will be April 10, but the office clarified that he could leave earlier if ministers find a replacement for him. Bar did not attend the cabinet meeting.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that after discussions with Ronen Bar, the government decided to relieve him of his post this week. Netanyahu expressed dissatisfaction with Bar’s performance, attributing this to the continued and growing distrust of him. In response, Ronen Bar accused Netanyahu of a “personal” motivation for his dismissal.
Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara said the prime minister has no right to arbitrarily fire the Shin Bet chief.
Netanyahu’s decision sparked protests from the opposition, with demonstrations against the government in several cities, including West Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Israeli media noted that the sacking of the Shin Bet chief, which is an independent body, was a precedent in the country’s history.
