Why it matters:
Bar’s removal signals a deepening crisis in the Israeli regime’s intelligence community, with high-level officials openly blaming each other for security failures—including the intelligence lapses leading to the October 7 operation "Al-Aqsa Flood" by Hamas.
The big picture:
Bar is set to remain in his position until April 10, unless a successor is appointed earlier. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office blamed Bar for failing to prevent Hamas’ October 7 operation, stating that if he had done his job, the attack "would not have happened."
What he’s saying:
In a message to the Israeli regime, Bar warned, "Israel is going through an especially difficult and complex period."
He pointed to Iran’s “deep infiltration” into the Israeli intelligence apparatus as a serious challenge.
Key points:
- Bar’s removal follows intense scrutiny over Shin Bet’s failure to detect and prevent the October 7 attack.
- This marks the first time an Israeli cabinet has dismissed a Shin Bet chief, highlighting internal discord.
- The move is part of increasing tensions within Netanyahu’s government, which faces mounting criticism over its handling of security threats.
Go deeper:
Shake-ups in the Israeli regime’s intelligence hierarchy comes as the regime faces unprecedented security and political challenges. The October 7 attack exposed critical vulnerabilities, while reports of espionage within Israeli-occupied territories added to the growing unease.
Israel's Admission of "Irreparable Defeat"; Aftermath of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood
Mojtaba Darabi
