In a daring act in the face of nationwide protests, Israel has fired Ronen Bar, the director of its internal security agency, Shin Bet. Bar will formally retire on April 10 unless replaced sooner, heating up political tension in the country.
The firing is amidst public outcry and opposition pressure, with the critics accusing the government of politicizing the intelligence machinery at a sensitive moment. Protesters have marched onto the streets, claiming that Bar’s firing could compromise national security.
Ronen Bar, who served for decades in the leadership role, has not yet made a public statement regarding his dismissal, but sources indicate that he had become a significant player in current political controversies inside Israel’s security and intelligence world.
The move represents mounting tension between the government of Israel and opposition parties, and is questioning what direction Israel’s intelligence and internal security policy will take.
