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Politics

Israel Approves Shin Bet Chief's Dismissal Amid Protests

Friday 21 - 12:37 By: Zahouani Ilham

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Israel's cabinet has endorsed the removal of Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet domestic security agency, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to oust him due to a lack of trust. Bar, who has led the agency since 2021, will leave his post on April 10 or upon the appointment of a permanent successor, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Bar refused to attend the cabinet meeting discussing his dismissal. In a letter circulated by Shin Bet, he accused the government of acting on “improper considerations” and conflicts of interest.

Netanyahu had announced on Sunday that he would seek a vote on Bar’s dismissal, citing “ongoing distrust.” The decision follows months of tensions between Netanyahu and Bar, largely linked to a bribery investigation involving the prime minister’s office and blame over the failure to prevent Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks.

Bar claimed his removal was aimed at obstructing efforts to uncover the truth about the events leading to the attacks. Shin Bet recently acknowledged in a report that it should have prevented Hamas’s actions while also criticizing Netanyahu for policies that contributed to the attack.

The decision has sparked opposition from political rivals and triggered fresh protests against Netanyahu’s right-wing government. On Thursday, Israeli police clashed with demonstrators in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, using water cannons and making at least 12 arrests.