Netanyahu Fires Shin Bet Chief Amid Trust Issues, Government Approval

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Ronen Bar, the head of Shin Bet, citing a lack of trust following the agency's failures during the October 7 Hamas attack. Netanyahu claimed that Bar's public support for an inquiry into these failures contributed to his removal, and he accused Bar of manipulating negotiations for personal motives. In response, Hamas stated that Bar's comments highlight Netanyahu's manipulation of ceasefire negotiations and called for a reassessment of blame in the ongoing conflict. Bar's dismissal received unanimous approval from the cabinet but faced a temporary injunction from the High Court of Justice. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara criticized the dismissal as a misuse of authority during wartime, arguing it should not be based on personal trust issues. Bar, who had previously indicated he would resign, expressed his commitment to Israel despite the firing, stating that Netanyahu's expectations of loyalty were misguided.