Shin Bet chief to resign despite court order keeping him in office

"Israel’s" intelligence chief Ronen Bar is planning to resign in the coming weeks, defying a Supreme Court order that temporarily blocked his dismissal, according to "Israeli" media reports.

Channel 12 reported that Bar recently shared his intentions with close confidants, saying he believes the controversy surrounding his post is damaging the agency’s operations. Shin Bet has been thrust into the spotlight amid a legal and political tug-of-war over Bar’s future.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu moved to fire Bar last month, citing “confidence issues.” However, the Supreme Court stepped in with a temporary injunction, requiring Bar to remain in his role while the government and the attorney general worked out the legal implications. The deadline for a resolution is 20 April.

Despite the court's ruling, Bar is preparing to submit an official letter to the court next week, outlining his decision to resign and the date he plans to leave office.

Critics of Netanyahu’s move have raised concerns over a possible conflict of interest, pointing out that Shin Bet is currently probing alleged ties between Netanyahu aides and Qatar during their time in his office.

Some political observers see the prime minister’s actions as an attempt to shift blame for the intelligence failures leading up to the Oct. 7, 2023, events, suggesting Bar is being made a scapegoat while Netanyahu avoids personal accountability.