Ronen Bar, head of Israel’s Shin Bet security service, announced today that he will be stepping down from his position.
Speaking during a ceremony honoring the agency’s fallen heroes, Bar said, “As the head of the organization, I took responsibility” for the events of October 7.
During his remarks, Bar shared, “And now, on this special evening, symbolizing memory, heroism and sacrifice, I have chosen to announce the implementation” of accepting this responsibility, “and decided to end my role as head of the Shin Bet.”
Bar emphasized that his choices throughout his career have always been driven by deep devotion and allegiance to Israel. “The same is true tonight,” he added.
He openly acknowledged that the Shin Bet had “failed to give a warning” ahead of the October 7, 2023 massacre, when terrorists from Gaza breached the border and launched the deadliest assault in Israel’s history, resulting in over a thousand deaths and approximately 250 kidnappings.
Bar noted that after more than three decades of service, he intends to ensure a smooth leadership transition. “After 35 years of service, in order to allow for an orderly process of appointing a permanent replacement and professional overlap, I will end my position on June 15, 2025,” he stated.
The Israeli government had previously voted to remove Bar from his role last month, a move that stirred debate over whether Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s declared justification — a loss of trust — was adequate grounds for his dismissal.
{Matzav.com Israel}