Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar Resigns, Citing Responsibility for October 7 Failures
Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar announced Monday that he would resign on June 15, citing personal responsibility for the agency’s failure to prevent Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. His decision comes six weeks after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to dismiss him, sparking a legal and political battle that has drawn in Israel’s High Court of Justice and the country’s security establishment.
Speaking at a memorial event for fallen Shin Bet personnel, Bar said the agency “failed in providing an early warning” and that “all systems collapsed.” He declared, “As the head of the organization, I took responsibility for this — and now, on this special evening, symbolizing remembrance, bravery, and sacrifice, I have chosen to announce the fulfillment of that responsibility and my decision to end my tenure.”
Bar’s announcement follows months of tension between the Shin Bet and Netanyahu’s government. In March, Netanyahu moved to dismiss Bar, saying he had “long ago lost confidence” in him. Bar challenged the dismissal, alleging it was politically motivated and that Netanyahu had pressured him to act against protesters and interfere with the prime minister’s corruption trial. Netanyahu denied the claims, accusing Bar of lying. The High Court froze the dismissal pending review.
Bar emphasized that his resignation is not about his personal standing but about preserving the independence of the Shin Bet, saying the agency’s functioning is “of priceless importance to the security of the state and to Israeli democracy.” He urged that future Shin Bet chiefs must be protected from political pressure and that a clear line must be drawn “between trust and loyalty.”
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His decision drew mixed political reactions.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid praised Bar, calling his move “the right and appropriate decision” and saying, “This is what taking responsibility looks like.” Lapid added, “Of those responsible for the greatest failure in the country’s history, only one remains holding on to the chair,” a reference to Netanyahu.
Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats, similarly thanked Bar and urged Netanyahu to resign.
National Unity leader Benny Gantz credited Bar with acting responsibly after October 7, stating it was “appropriate and right that the political echelon also fulfills the same responsibility.”
Right-wing lawmakers condemned Bar’s actions. Likud Member of Knesset Ariel Kallner said Bar should have been detained for allegedly rebelling against the government, while fellow Likud MK Avichai Boaron criticized Bar as “arrogant and smug.” Far-right Noam party MK Avi Maoz insisted, “You didn’t resign. You were fired.”
Bar’s resignation raises new questions for the High Court about how to proceed with the pending petitions against his dismissal. While the court may ultimately dismiss the case as moot, legal analysts suggest it could still issue statements reinforcing the principle that appointments and dismissals of security chiefs must be based on professional, not political, considerations.
Bar, a 35-year veteran of the Shin Bet, had been involved in ceasefire and hostage release negotiations during the Gaza war. His resignation marks another chapter in the rift between Netanyahu’s coalition and elements of Israel’s security and defense establishment that deepened after the catastrophic October 7 attack.
