Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
The government said Tuesday it was canceling the dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar after he announced he would step down next June.
Bar’s planned ouster by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Cabinet had prompted accusations that the move was politically motivated. Critics claimed it followed the Shin Bet’s launch of an investigation into the alleged ties between Netanyahu’s close aides and the government of Qatar, including actions purportedly taken to advance Qatari interests. The investigation reportedly raised concerns about threats to national security and to the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
The cancellation of Bar’s dismissal is seen as an effort to head off High Court deliberations on Netanyahu’s conduct, which could highlight potential conflicts of interest.
"It was the government's position that Bar should resign as head of the Shin Bet, in a respectful manner," the government said in a statement. It added that although Bar’s resignation was delayed, it made firing him unnecessary.
Bar announced his decision during a ceremony honoring fallen Shin Bet officers at the agency’s headquarters.
2 View gallery
Netanyahu aides Eli Feldstein and Jonathan Urich suspected of working for Qatar
(Photo: Shaul Golan)
"As the head of the organization, I took responsibility — and now, on the evening that symbolizes memory, heroism and sacrifice, I chose to announce its fulfillment and decided to end my role as head of the Shin Bet," Bar said, using the agency’s official name.
He also appeared to address the political leadership, saying, "Carrying out responsibility in practice is an inseparable part of personal example and the legacy of our leaders, and we have no legitimacy to lead without it."