The court determined that the government did not fulfill its obligation to bring the issue of terminating the Shin Bet chief's tenure before the Advisory Committee on Senior Appointments, a body responsible for reviewing such high-level decisions. This omission was a significant breach of protocol, as the committee's input is required to ensure transparency and accountability in appointments and terminations of senior officials.

Additionally, the court found that the decision was made while the prime minister was in a conflict of interest, given ongoing investigations involving his associates. This conflict compromised the integrity of the decision-making process, as it raised questions about whether the termination was influenced by external pressures or personal interests rather than objective considerations.

The ruling also noted that the government's decision lacked a factual basis, meaning it was not supported by sufficient evidence or reasoning. Furthermore, the Shin Bet chief was not granted a proper hearing, which is a legal requirement to ensure fairness and due process in such cases. The absence of a hearing further invalidated the government's actions, as it deprived the official of the opportunity to respond to the decision.

Despite these findings, the court refrained from issuing a practical remedy, citing the Shin Bet chief's public announcement of his intention to conclude his tenure voluntarily in mid-June. The court concluded that, under the circumstances, no further judicial intervention was necessary to address the issue.

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"After years of serving on many fronts, the sky fell in one night on the southern front. All systems collapsed. The Shin Bet also failed to provide a warning," Bar said in his speech. "As the head of the organization, I took responsibility for that—and tonight, on this evening of remembrance, heroism, and sacrifice, I chose to announce that I will see that responsibility through and conclude my service."

Bar also addressed the collective responsibility of Israel's security leadership: "Given the magnitude of the event, all of us who chose public service and the defense of the state's security as our life mission, and who failed to provide a protective shield on that day, must bow our heads humbly before the murdered, the fallen, the wounded, the abducted, and their families, and act accordingly. All of us."

He continued: "Translating responsibility into action is an inseparable part of setting a personal example and the legacy of our leadership. We have no legitimacy to lead without it."

Bar also commented on the ongoing legal battle over the independence of the Shin Bet, a matter currently before the High Court of Justice: "This is an organization whose proper functioning is priceless for the security of the state and the health of Israeli democracy. Over the past month, I fought for this, and this week, all the necessary infrastructure was laid before the court. I hope the ruling will ensure that the Shin Bet remains this way, independent and fearless, for the long term."

He stressed: "There must be clarification regarding the institutional protections that allow every Shin Bet chief to carry out their duties independently and free of pressure, while remaining subject to government policy and working for the benefit of the public. That distinction, between trust and loyalty, must be drawn clearly."

Bar concluded with a personal message: "My love for the homeland and loyalty to the state have been the foundation of every professional decision I have ever made. That remains the case this evening as well."

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Documents paint a detailed picture

In the battle over the narrative between the political echelon and the ousted Shin Bet chief, these documents hold critical importance in outlining the full picture. They reflect Bar's conception, step by step, up to the night before the attack. Each year, the Shin Bet chief issues the "Directive of the Head of Shin Bet" for the upcoming year. In the 2022 directive, Bar wrote as a "recommendation for national strategy" two key points: strengthening the Palestinian Authority, preserving the separation from the Gaza Strip, and providing economic support to the West Bank; and "containing the Gaza Strip through gradual rehabilitation."

For 2023, Bar presented five questions with his answers, three of which are cited here within security constraints, illustrating his stance in the year before the massacre. When asked, "Are there shades within Hamas?" his response was negative. On "Does economic investment lead to regional stability?" he answered affirmatively. And to "Will long-term economic stability erode Hamas's power?" he again responded yes.

Economic focus over military action

Bar asks whether economic investment in the strip would help create lasting calm with the Palestinians. His answer is yes. Will economic stability erode Hamas' power? His answer is yes. He recommended that Israel focus its national security strategy on severing the axis of resistance – comprising Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran – by creating divisions, isolating Hamas, and neutralizing events that could spark an outbreak or unification. He also advocated strengthening the Palestinian Authority, Fatah, and its appartuses to shift trends in the West Bank, alongside economic support. Notably absent from his national strategy recommendations were calls for assassinations; instead, he suggested neutralizing "events." At this stage, Bar did not view Hamas as an enemy with military capability akin to an army.

In contrast to the public inquiry, an internal command investigation, as reported by Israel Hayom, pointed to a failure in assessing Hamas as deterred. "We assessed that Hamas had an interest in maintaining calm in the Gaza sector, and over time, after Operation Guardian of the Walls, it continued to grow stronger, shifting its focus to the West Bank," the internal review stated.

Two days before the massacre

Fast forward to a discussion led by Bar within the Shin Bet on October 5, 2023, two days before the massacre. Bar outlined two strategic options for Israel: a short-term "calming" process without conditions tied to ongoing negotiations for the return of captives and missing persons from Hamas, or directing terror from Gaza to the West Bank; or a long-term approach involving significant relief and development of Gaza, contingent on a captives deal and reducing terror directed from Gaza. He emphasized humanitarian relief, stating, "Providing humanitarian concessions to Gaza as 'goodwill':  humanitarian relief, increasing the number of workers by an additional 1,500, water, and transferring medicines."

These revelations starkly contrast with Bar's letter to ministers on the eve of his dismissal, his recent statements, and leaks attributed to him. In his letter, he claimed, "Within the framework of the process regarding the desire to end my tenure, which I hope will be conducted lawfully, and in light of the claims in the proposed decision, I will present a full detailing of offensive actions and recommendations for strategic discussions, derived from my security and strategic perception, which I brought for the approval of the prime minister, both before October 7 and after, and most of which were not advanced by him."

Two narratives

Bar's response to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement of his intended dismissal further distanced his earlier stance. "The Shin Bet under my leadership conducted a thorough investigation that identified intelligence failures and internal processes on October 7. The need to investigate all factors, including government policy and the Prime Minister, and not just the IDF and Shin Bet, which thoroughly investigated themselves, is essential for public security," he wrote.

A screenshot taken of the footage showing the kidnapping of IDF female field observers on Oct. 7 by Hamas terrorists | Photo: Hostage and Missing Families Forum

The public Shin Bet inquiry denied underestimating Hamas, stating, "The investigation did not find that the Shin Bet belittled the enemy. On the contrary - there was a deep understanding of the threat, initiatives, and a desire to thwart the threat, especially Hamas leaders." Yet, it identified Qatari money as a factor in Hamas's empowerment, omitting Bar's repeated economic recommendations aimed at achieving calm.

The Shin Bet responded to the Israel Hayom report with the following statement: "Regrettably, we are again encountering the phenomenon of selective leaks of biased excerpts from classified documents, as part of an attempt to present the public with a partial picture that does not faithfully reflect the Shin Bet's assessments and recommendations prior to October 7. The Shin Bet will continue to act with integrity, not through leaks of classified materials to the media, and calls for all circumstances related to the outbreak of the war to be investigated by an inquiry committee to reach the truth."

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The Israeli government has officially decided to end Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar's tenure on April 10, amid growing tensions between Bar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The decision, approved during Thursday's cabinet meeting which Bar did not attend, comes after months of deteriorating relations and follows recent sensitive investigations involving the prime minister's inner circle. The move has already sparked legal challenges, with two Supreme Court petitions filed claiming political motivation behind the dismissal.

A senior political source delivered a scathing assessment: "The Israeli government, which oversees the Shin Bet, has lost all confidence in Ronen Bar who continues to cling to his position while cynically using the hostages' families and improperly using his position politically to fabricate baseless sham investigations. Ronen had an opportunity to resign with dignity after his glaring failure on Oct. 7, as the outgoing IDF Chief of Staff did. But Ronen Bar chose not to attend the cabinet meeting concerning his case, only because he was afraid to provide answers and mainly to respond to one question: why, after knowing about the Hamas attack many hours before it occurred, did you do nothing and not call the prime minister – something that would have prevented the disaster? If Ronen Bar had performed his duties as fiercely as he now clings to his position, we would not have reached Oct. 7."

During the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his position clear: "I no longer have confidence in Ronen Bar. Everything began on that night. I also don't believe in his approach. I don't trust him. I have no confidence that he will speak to me at a crucial moment. It is unacceptable for a serving Shin Bet chief to publicly promote one of the options of an inquiry commission. In the IDF, the window of opportunity was used to replace the command. We need to take advantage of this here too and approve it."

Bar's pointed response to dismissal proceedings

Though absent from the meeting, Bar sent cabinet ministers a strongly worded letter addressing the allegations against him. "It is evident that these charges were created specifically for this process, and most were never mentioned in my conversations with the prime minister. It is no coincidence that there isn't even one example to support them," Bar wrote. "A substantive response to such allegations requires a proper process, including presenting relevant documents, not a show process whose outcome has been predetermined. These are baseless claims that merely disguise completely different motives – foreign and fundamentally improper – intended to disrupt the Shin Bet's ability to fulfill its role with statesmanship."

Bar's letter directly challenged Netanyahu's position: "The proposed decision seemingly implies an allegation that there is a lack of trust between the prime minister and myself regarding the handling of the hostage release issue. Without delving into details, I will note that the hostage release deal recently implemented came about through unique operations I personally led, with the prime minister's knowledge. The deal was achieved according to objectives set by the prime minister, brought by him for cabinet approval, and approved with his support. Against this background, there is no basis for the alleged claim of lack of trust, unless the true intention, which I apparently failed to understand, was to conduct negotiations without reaching a deal."

The Shin Bet chief also disputed claims of a "crisis of confidence" with Netanyahu: "Contrary to what is claimed, there is intensive and effective cooperation between the service under my leadership and the prime minister, which leads to significant results in thwarting terrorism and fulfilling the war's objectives. The service acts to implement the policy set by the political echelon, and will continue to do so."

Opposition vows legal challenge as "Qatargate" investigation looms

In his letter, Bar addressed the ongoing "Qatargate" investigation: "A complex and highly sensitive investigation dealing with Qatar's involvement in the holy of holies of Israeli decision-making. Damaging the investigation through an attempted dismissal is entirely steeped in foreign considerations and a conflict of interest of the most severe kind. This is a direct danger to the security of the State of Israel."

The cabinet meeting proceeded despite a letter from Deputy Attorney General Dr. Gil Limon stating that the government must receive the Advisory Committee on Senior Appointments' opinion before deciding on Bar's dismissal. The dismissal vote had been delayed from Wednesday's cabinet meeting, which focused instead on renewed fighting in Gaza – operations that Bar helped manage alongside IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid issued a scathing response: "The hasty and baseless dismissal of the Shin Bet chief is intended for one purpose only: to stop the 'Qatargate' investigation. Those being investigated in a serious criminal case that endangered national security are firing their investigators tonight. The opposition parties will petition together against this reckless move designed to cover up a hostile state's infiltration of Netanyahu's office."

Legal considerations and conflict of interest concerns

While the government legally has the authority to terminate a Shin Bet chief's tenure, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara had informed Netanyahu that such a decision should receive a recommendation from the Advisory Committee for Senior Appointments – the same body that approved Bar's appointment. Baharav-Miara also insisted Netanyahu must present a factual basis for the dismissal.

The Attorney General had also expressed concern about Netanyahu's ability to convene the government for Bar's dismissal while the "Qatargate" investigation – involving employees in the prime minister's office – remains ongoing. She suggested this created a potential conflict of interest that could legally prevent Netanyahu from moving forward with the dismissal.

Netanyahu is expected to appoint a temporary replacement rather than an immediate permanent successor. The official reasoning behind Bar's dismissal, published Wednesday, cited an "ongoing professional and personal lack of trust between the prime minister and the service's chief which, among other things, prevents the government and prime minister from effectively exercising their authority and harms the service's ability to fulfill its purpose."

The statement added that "during a multi-front war, an urgent need arises to prevent the damage." According to the proposed decision, "beyond the professional failure of the Shin Bet chief on Oct. 7," the prime minister believes Bar's security and strategic approach is "fundamentally wrong and different from what the prime minister believes the Shin Bet must operate according to."

Relations between Netanyahu and Bar have deteriorated over the past two years, with tensions arising from security demands for the prime minister's family, disputes over intelligence warnings before October 7, and disagreements about hostage negotiation strategy. The motivation to dismiss Bar apparently intensified in recent months amid Shin Bet investigations into Netanyahu's closest associates, particularly the Qatargate affair – circumstances that could strengthen legal challenges to the dismissal on conflict of interest grounds.

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Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet security service, headed an Israeli delegation to Cairo on Sunday that met with senior Egyptian security officials to discuss, among other things, tightening security cooperation between the two countries amid shared regional threats.

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National Security Adviser Eyal Hulata was also part of the delegation that met with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.

It was Bar's first working visit since being appointed last month. He replaced Nadav Argaman, who served as Shin Bet chief for five and a half years.

The sides also discussed the security situation in the Gaza Strip and a possible prisoner exchange deal with the Hamas terrorist organization.

A senior Egyptian official said that despite the intensive negotiations in recent weeks and the reports whereby significant progress had been made, a prisoner exchange agreement was not on the horizon.

"It can't be said right now that the sides intend to dramatically change their positions in relation to moving forward with a prisoner deal in the near future," the Egyptian official said.

As a reminder, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, a pan-Arab media outlet headquartered in London, reported earlier this month that Kamel was expected to visit Israel in around two weeks to present a general outline for a prisoner swap to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, to which Hamas has already reportedly agreed.

Bennett met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi in September, discussing several regional issues.

The two also discussed expanding trade, increasing mutual tourism, as well as dealing with "Iranian aggression" and "global terror groups" in the Middle East.

"The president affirmed Egypt's support for all efforts to achieve a comprehensive peace in the Middle East, based on the two-state solution and on the international resolutions ... which contributes in strengthening security and prosperity for all the peoples of the region," DPA quoted the Egyptian presidency website as saying.

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The deputy director of the Israeli Security Agency, Ronen Bar, was confirmed as the next chief of the organization at Monday's cabinet meeting. 

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The 55-year-old Bar's nomination got the necessary clearance from the special vetting panel overseeing such appointments last week, resulting in the unanimous confirmation vote early Monday morning. 

Bar will start his new job at the helm of the organization, known as the Shin Bet security agency, on Wednesday, replacing incumbent Nadav Argaman, who has been the director since 2016. The agency is tasked with counterterrorism, VIP protection and other internal matters. 

Speaking with Israel Hayom shortly after the vote, Bar said: "I thank the prime minister for the trust he has placed in me and the backing, and I am eagerly awaiting the opportunity to start working with the great employees there."

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued his own statement, calling Bar a "courageous fighter and a daring commander who has for his entire life been in the pursuit of the ultimate goal: bolstering Israel's security. "

Bar, who is married and a father of three, speaks Arabic fluently. He has a Bachelor's degree from Tel Aviv University in political science and philosophy and a Master's from Harvard University in Public Administration. He served in the IDF's elite commando unit Sayeret Matkal and later joined the Shin Bet as a fighter in its Operations Unit. In 2018, he was promoted to deputy director. 

He won many citations for the many activities that he commanded. During his confirmation process, the vetting panel also received an anonymous letter claiming misconduct on his behalf. But the panel eventually rejected the claims and said that he had successfully rebuffed the allegations. 

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