Netanyahu seeks to dismiss Israel's internal security chief as power struggle boils over
Source: AP
Updated 8:27 PM EDT, March 16, 2025
JERUSALEM (AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he will seek to dismiss the head of the internal security service this week, deepening a power struggle focused largely on who bears responsibility for the Hamas attack that sparked the war in Gaza.
Netanyahus effort to remove Ronen Bar as director of the Shin Bet comes as the security service investigates close aides of the prime minister. Netanyahu said he has had ongoing distrust with Bar, and this distrust has grown over time.
Bar responded by saying he planned to continue in the post for the near future, citing personal obligations to finish sensitive investigations, free the remaining hostages in Gaza and prepare potential successors.
Bar also criticized Netanyahus expectation of a personal loyalty that contradicts the public interest. But he emphasized that he would respect any legal decision regarding his tenure.
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/israel-shin-bet-netanyahu-security-c33f6e2f9ace753e36cde694207ebae6