Netanyahu’s Ouster of Key Security Chief Sparks Major Political Crisis

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to dismiss Shin Bet director Ronen Bar this week, citing “growing distrust” over time. This marks a major upheaval in Israel’s security leadership during a critical time for the nation.

Netanyahu plans to present a Cabinet resolution this week to remove Bar before his term ends in October 2026, following months of tensions, including Netanyahu’s accusations of Bar briefing journalists against the government and removing him from the Israeli negotiating team last month.

“During such an existential war, the prime minister must fully trust the Shin Bet’s head,” Netanyahu stated, referring to the war against Hamas terrorists after the October 7 massacre. “Regrettably, I lack this confidence.”

While the government is expected to approve the unprecedented dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, it will mark the first time in Israel’s history that a head of a security organization has been removed.

However, the decision faces significant legal challenges, with Bar suggesting that the move is improper.

Netanyahu’s allies see the dismissal of Ronen Bar as essential, while his critics view it as an attack on democracy, further deepens national divisions.

Critics argue that Netanyahu is consolidating power by ousting key officials, including IDF Chief Herzi Halevi and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The pending dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, coupled with ongoing efforts to remove Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, signals a broader purge of top state officials.

Shin Bet, essentially Israel’s version of the U.S. Secret Service and FBI rolled into one, handles Arab-related counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and provides security of the Prime Minister, Supreme Court, opposition leader, and Knesset chairman, along with other high-profile figures. Despite being a security agency, the Shin Bet is not under the Israeli Ministry of Defense and reports directly to the Prime Minister.

Copyright 1999-2025 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.


Latest News from Worthy News

US Pastor Felipe Ascencio Shot Dead at Home; Ramona Church Community Mourns
US Pastor Felipe Ascencio Shot Dead at Home; Ramona Church Community Mourns

A pastor in Southern California was shot and killed inside his home, authorities and church members said, shocking a close-knit evangelical community in the rural town of Ramona east of the city of San Diego near the U.S.–Mexico border.

Russia Bombards Ukraine as Zelenskyy Urges Stronger Air Defenses And US Sanctions (Worthy News Radio)
Russia Bombards Ukraine as Zelenskyy Urges Stronger Air Defenses And US Sanctions (Worthy News Radio)

Ukraine says Russia’s military has bombarded the southern city of Zaporizhzhia with rockets overnight, killing one person and wounding 13 people, including two children, while another person died and several were injured elsewhere in the country.

Trump and Starmer Set to Launch “Golden Age” of Nuclear Power with Landmark U.S.-U.K. Deals
Trump and Starmer Set to Launch “Golden Age” of Nuclear Power with Landmark U.S.-U.K. Deals

The United States and the United Kingdom are set to unveil a wave of major nuclear energy agreements during President Donald Trump’s state visit to Britain this week, in what both governments are calling the start of a “golden age” of nuclear power.

Archaeologists Unearth Roman Council Hall in Laodicea Marked with Early Christian Symbols
Archaeologists Unearth Roman Council Hall in Laodicea Marked with Early Christian Symbols

Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a 2,050-year-old Roman council hall etched with early Christian carvings, offering fresh historical insight into the biblical church of Laodicea–one of the seven congregations addressed in the Book of Revelation.

IDF Launches Second Phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots in Gaza City
IDF Launches Second Phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots in Gaza City

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched the second phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, pushing deeper into Gaza City in an effort to dismantle Hamas’ remaining strongholds.

Israel Reportedly Backs Druze Fighters in Syria as U.S. Pressures Damascus Toward Security Pact with Jerusalem
Israel Reportedly Backs Druze Fighters in Syria as U.S. Pressures Damascus Toward Security Pact with Jerusalem

Israel is supplying weapons and paying salaries to thousands of Druze fighters in southern Syria while Damascus, under U.S. pressure, accelerates talks with Jerusalem over a possible security pact, according to multiple reports citing regional and intelligence sources.

U.S. Military Conducts Second Strike on Venezuelan Vessel, Killing Three in Escalating Anti-Drug Campaign
U.S. Military Conducts Second Strike on Venezuelan Vessel, Killing Three in Escalating Anti-Drug Campaign

The U.S. military struck a second vessel in international waters on Monday, killing three people alleged to be Venezuelan “narcoterrorists” transporting illegal drugs, President Donald Trump announced.