Shin Bet director Ronen Bar announces resignation

After publicly clashing with Netanyahu and sparking national debate by turning to the supreme court to overturn his firing, the head of Israel’s internal security agency announces plans to step down.

By David Rosenberg, World Israel News

Ronen Bar, director of the Shin Bet internal security agency, announced his resignation as chief of Israel’s primary counter-terror intelligence agency on Monday night.

Speaking at a memorial event honoring Shin Bet agents who fell in the line of duty, Bar reiterated his responsibility for the agency’s failures to prevent or respond to the Hamas invasion of October 7, 2023, and revealed that he will step down as Shin Bet director on June 15.

“As the head of the organization, I took responsibility — and now, on an evening symbolizing remembrance, heroism and sacrifice, I have chosen to announce the implementation of that responsibility and my decision to end my tenure as head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet),” Bar said.

Regarding October 7, Bar acknowledged that under his command, the “Shin Bet failed to provide an early warning. As the head of the organization, I took responsibility for that.

“After 35 years of service, in order to allow for an orderly process of appointing a permanent successor and professional handover, I will end my tenure on June 15, 2025.”

Bar’s resignation comes amid a public row with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused the Shin Bet director of gross incompetence during the Hamas invasion on the morning of October 7 and of misusing his position to lead probes of government officials – including members of the prime minister’s office – which Netanyahu claims were politically motivated.

The Netanyahu government voted on March 20 to fire Bar, but in an unprecedented move, Bar successfully petitioned the Supreme Court to intervene and freeze his termination.

In his address on Monday night, Bar defended his decision to turn to the court to overturn the government vote, saying it was necessary to protect the Shin Bet’s independence.

The Shin Bet is a part of the Prime Minister’s Office and, therefore, under the premier’s direct authority.

“The court discussion is not about my personal matter, but about the independence of future heads of the Shin Bet,” Bar said.

Israeli politicvsOct. 7th massacreRonen BarShabakShin Bet