Shin Bet Chief Claims Netanyahu Misused Office, Faces Dismissal

Ronen Bar, the head of Israel's Shin Bet, has claimed that his dismissal was requested by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Bar refused to provide a security opinion to delay Netanyahu's testimony in an ongoing corruption trial. In a letter to the Supreme Court, Bar argued that his removal could undermine the agency's independence and politicize its operations, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent. State Prosecutor Gali Baharav-Miara supported Bar's claims, stating that the dismissal was afflicted by a conflict of interest due to Netanyahu's ongoing legal troubles. The Prime Minister's office countered that Bar's removal stemmed from a lack of confidence in his performance. Tensions between Bar and Netanyahu reportedly escalated after Bar resisted demands related to the trial, further complicating the agency's relationship with the political leadership. As the Supreme Court deliberates on the case, Bar has expressed his willingness to discuss sensitive matters behind closed doors.