Ronen Bar, the head of Israel’s internal security agency Shin Bet, announced on Monday that he will resign from his position effective June 15. The decision follows months of escalating tensions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ongoing legal disputes over Bar’s attempted dismissal.
Bar stated that his resignation is an acknowledgment of the agency’s failure to prevent the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He emphasized the importance of accountability, asserting that all officials who failed in their duties must take responsibility.
Last month, Netanyahu’s cabinet voted unanimously to dismiss Bar, citing a “crisis of confidence.” Bar challenged the legitimacy of this decision, alleging that Netanyahu’s motives were politically driven, including attempts to interfere with investigations into alleged corruption involving the Prime Minister’s office and Qatar.
The High Court of Justice intervened by freezing the dismissal and encouraging a compromise. Bar’s resignation is seen as a resolution to the legal impasse, allowing for a transition without further constitutional conflict.
Bar’s departure marks the end of a tumultuous tenure characterized by internal investigations, political disputes, and significant security challenges. His resignation adds to the list of senior security officials who have stepped down in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks.
Opposition leaders have praised Bar’s decision, calling on Netanyahu to follow suit and accept responsibility for the government’s failures. The situation underscores ongoing concerns about the politicization of Israel’s security institutions and the need for transparent accountability.
