‘Israeli democracy is in grave danger’: Netanyahu’s historic move to fire Shin Bet chief

For the first time in Israel’s history, the Prime Minister has decided to fire the head of the Shin Bet, Israel's powerful internal intelligence agency.

On Sunday, Benjamin Netanyahu informed Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar of his dismissal, which the Prime Minister says was made due to an "ongoing lack of trust". Bar has led the security service agency since 2022.

In a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office, Netanyahu announced that he would bring the issue to a cabinet vote this week. He did not consult Israel's Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara before the dismissal was made.

Baharav-Miara has since informed Netanyahu that the dismissal process would be delayed, citing the need for further legal examination.

If Bar is ultimately dismissed, it will mean that the Defence Minister, IDF Chief of Staff, and Shin Bet Chief — three key figures in charge during the October 7 massacre — will have been removed, while Netanyahu, the leader at the time, remains in power.

This is unlikely to enhance public trust in Netanyahu or his government at such a volatile time. Instead, it risks deepening divisions, distracting from national unity, and undermining public confidence in Israel’s security leadership, warns The Jerusalem Post’s Herb Keinon.