Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, citing distrust and the agency’s failure to foresee the October 7 Hamas assault.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the head of the country’s domestic security service over failure to anticipate the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023.
The Israeli cabinet met Thursday evening to formally approve the early dismissal of Ronen Bar, who was appointed in October 2021 to a five-year term as chief of the Shin Bet.
The Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, plays a key role in the country’s security operations. Its activities and personnel are closely guarded state secrets.
Bar has described his dismissal as politically motivated.
Netanyahu announced his decision in a video statement, citing "ongoing distrust" between the two men that he said had "grown over time."
Tensions have built up over a corruption investigation involving allegations that aides in Netanyahu’s office were offered bribes by individuals linked to Qatar.
Netanyahu has dismissed the accusations as a politically motivated effort to unseat him.
Read next
19:30
Energy Tensions
Russia’s defense ministry has accused Ukraine of carrying out four separate attacks on its energy facilities within a 24-hour period, alleging violations of a U.S.-brokered moratorium aimed at preventing strikes on each other’s critical energy infrastructure.
18:30
Sporting Celebration
Sporting legends, rising stars, and international guests gathered in Madrid for the 24th Laureus World Sports Awards, where the global sporting community came together to celebrate a year of exceptional achievements, inspiring moments, and the unifying power of sport.
17:30
Court Proceedings
South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from office, appeared at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday to attend the second hearing in his ongoing criminal trial, where he faces serious charges of insurrection.
17:00
Deadly Strikes
A U.S. airstrike on Yemen’s Ras Isa oil port has killed at least 74 people and injured 171 others, marking the deadliest known attack in President Trump’s renewed campaign against Houthi rebels and raising alarm over the widening scope of the conflict.
16:30
Nuclear Deals
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has signaled that a nuclear agreement with the United States remains within reach, provided Washington adopts a realistic and constructive approach ahead of the second round of negotiations with the Trump administration.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment