The political landscape in Israel has been thrown into further turmoil with the abrupt decision to remove Ronen Bar, the chief of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency. In a move that has sparked outrage and intensified an already divided nation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government approved Bar’s ousting in a late-night session on Thursday.
The decision, unanimously backed by the cabinet, set Bar’s removal date for April 10, unless a successor is appointed earlier. However, the controversy surrounding this move extends beyond the timing or the decision itself—it is the manner in which it was handled and its deeper implications that have fueled widespread protests and legal challenges.
A Bold Rejection of Authority
In a dramatic act of defiance, Bar refused to attend the nighttime meeting where his dismissal was being finalized. Instead, he issued a scathing letter to the government, challenging the legality of the decision and questioning the prime minister’s motives. According to Bar, the process was fundamentally flawed, and Netanyahu had failed to present any substantial reasoning that would justify such a drastic measure.
Bar’s dismissal is not just a routine bureaucratic shake-up; it is a direct clash of power that is expected to escalate to the Supreme Court. His removal comes at a time when Israel’s military is engaged in a renewed and deadly campaign in Gaza, heightening concerns about the fate of Israeli hostages still held in the enclave. Adding to the tension, sirens warning of incoming rocket fire from Gaza sent residents in the Tel Aviv area running for cover on Thursday—an event that had not occurred for months.
Shin Bet’s Crucial Role Amidst Crisis
The Shin Bet plays a critical role in Israel’s war against Hamas, supplying intelligence and identifying strategic targets. Beyond military operations, the agency is also legally tasked with safeguarding Israeli democracy. Bar, who has been leading the Shin Bet since 2021, has previously acknowledged the agency’s share of responsibility for intelligence lapses that contributed to the Hamas-led attack in October 2023—the deadliest attack on Israelis since the country’s founding in 1948. However, in its internal review, the Shin Bet pointed out years of lenient government policy toward Hamas as a major factor in the security failure—a stance that likely put Bar at odds with Netanyahu.
Rising Protests and a Fractured Nation
The announcement of Bar’s dismissal was met with fierce backlash, igniting protests across Jerusalem. Thousands took to the streets on Wednesday and Thursday, with academics and citizens marching toward one of Netanyahu’s private residences despite stormy weather. Protesters chanted “Democracy!” while beating drums, clashing with police, and facing aggressive measures such as water cannons and foul-smelling liquid dispersal tactics. Among those forcefully confronted by law enforcement was Yair Golan, a former deputy chief of the military and current leader of the center-left Democrats party, who was seen being shoved to the ground.
These protests echo the mass demonstrations of 2023 against Netanyahu’s controversial judicial overhaul plan, which sought to reduce the judiciary’s power to check government authority. While those demonstrations had largely paused after the Hamas attack in October, the latest crisis is reigniting public frustration and deepening the country’s political divide.
A Battle Over Democracy and Power
The tensions between Netanyahu and Bar are reflective of a broader struggle over the future of Israel’s democracy. Critics accuse Netanyahu’s ruling coalition—the most right-wing and religiously conservative in Israel’s history—of systematically eroding democratic institutions and removing checks and balances on government power. The move to oust Bar based on “personal trust” concerns has raised alarm over the possibility that future intelligence appointments will be made based on loyalty rather than expertise or independence.
Further fueling the controversy, Netanyahu’s office has been under investigation for alleged leaks of classified documents and undisclosed ties to Qatar. The Shin Bet’s probe, dubbed “Qatargate” in local media, has been shrouded in secrecy under a gag order, but Netanyahu has dismissed the accusations as baseless. His allies, however, have used the moment to push a familiar narrative—accusing the judiciary and independent state institutions of conducting a politically motivated “witch hunt” against him.
Netanyahu’s Defiance and Global Ramifications
Undeterred by opposition at home, Netanyahu took to social media on Wednesday, echoing rhetoric reminiscent of former U.S. President Donald Trump. He claimed that both in America and Israel, a “leftist Deep State” was attempting to weaponize the justice system against democratically elected right-wing leaders. This statement gained traction online, even receiving a supportive response from billionaire Elon Musk, who replied with a red “100” emoji.
Meanwhile, President Isaac Herzog issued a measured but urgent plea for national unity. Without directly naming Netanyahu or Bar, Herzog warned that divisive political moves could severely damage Israel’s social cohesion, particularly as thousands of reserve soldiers receive call-up notices.
Defying Legal Advice
Netanyahu’s move to fire Bar was also a direct challenge to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who had previously advised that the dismissal must first be reviewed by an advisory committee overseeing senior appointments. Baharav-Miara, who was appointed by the previous government, has frequently been at odds with Netanyahu’s administration. Given the intensity of this battle, some members of Netanyahu’s cabinet have hinted that she could be the next official targeted for removal.
The Road Ahead
With legal challenges looming, protests gaining momentum, and security concerns mounting, Netanyahu’s decision to remove Bar is shaping up to be a defining moment for Israel’s political future. The country finds itself at a critical crossroads—one where the very essence of its democracy is being tested. Whether the Supreme Court intervenes, whether the protests grow into a larger movement, and whether this crisis ultimately strengthens or weakens Netanyahu’s grip on power are questions that will unfold in the coming weeks. One thing, however, is clear: Israel is bracing for more turbulence ahead.
Login