Israeli government approves firing of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar despite huge protests
GuardianMAR 20
Israeli Government Reverses Decision to Remove Internal Security Chief
Above: Mossad intelligence agency chief David Barnea (R) and Ronen Bar (2nd L), chief of Israel's domestic Shin Bet security agency, attend a ceremony at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl military cemetery on May 13, 2024. Image copyright: Gil Cohen-Magen/Pool/AFP via Getty Image
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The return to war will not save the hostages. Netanyahu's move to sack Bar only further destabilized Israel's institutions, with the resumption of the war in Gaza aimed to buy time. Both sides need to make concessions so that the ceasefire can be fully implemented and the hostages are returned.
Pro-Israel narrative
The Shin Bet has behaved like an army within an army, and Ronen Bar is a manifestation of this institutional rot. Bar has worked against Israel's democratically elected government, and he must leave his position. Whoever takes Bar's position must be appointed from outside the organization's network.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Netanyahu is resuming the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza to ensure his political survival. Facing corruption charges alongside a weakened governing coalition, Netanyahu can only survive through endless war and genocide. Indeed, Netanyahu is not just a danger to Palestinians, but a danger to the world.