Ronen Bar

Netanyahu rejected Shin Bet recommendation to assassinate Sinwar before Oct. 7

Ronen Bar warned Netanyahu of a possible Hamas "earthquake" before October 7 and urged the prime minister to approve strikes on the group's senior leadership.

Shin Bet director Ronen Bar seen at Mount Herzl cemetery in Jerusalem, November 6, 2022
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads Likud into the October 27 election as the ruling party seeks to retain power amid slipping polls and questions over Netanyahu’s future.

PMO publishes Netanyahu's Oct. 7 schedule, reveals he spoke with Gallant earlier than reported

Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) Director David Zini visits at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem during Memorial Day which commemorates the fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror, on April 21, 2026.

High Court orders former Shin Bet officials who challenged Zini appointment to reveal names

Israeli soldiers from the Netzah Yehuda Battalion take part in a military training exercise near the Israeli border with Lebanon, northern Israel, August 20, 2026

IDF general warns talks with Hamas, Hezbollah lack a clear strategy for victory - interview


Shin Bet Chief Zini names 'N' as new deputy head, to enter role next month

Shin Bet Chief David Zini announced the appointment of "N." as the new deputy head, with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s approval.

Shin Bet director David Zini attends a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, October 5, 2025

Shin Bet deputy director 'S' to leave role, in blow to chief David Zini

'S' previously served as the agency's acting director after the departure of former chief Ronen Bar, who promoted him to deputy chief in January. 

Shin Bet director David Zini participates in the state memorial ceremony for the October 7 massacre on Mount Herzl, in Jerusalem, October 16, 2025

Shin Bet Chief Zini: In wake of war, Israelis, Jews face heightened danger of kidnapping

As Zini saw it, the price of future danger from releasing security prisoners and allowing Hamas to continue armed outweighed the price of losing the remaining hostages.

Designated head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) director David Zini seen with Ultra orthodox jewish soldiers from the Hasmonean Brigade after completing their beret march, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old city on August 6, 2025.

Shin Bet will not undergo 'dramatic shifts' following Zini's appointment, ex-official claims

Ex-Shin Bet senior official Ilan Lotan also discussed former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar's recent speech, saying Bar is "now a private citizen, and I think the public expects to hear from him."

Shin Bet Director David Zini with IDF chief Eyal Zamir at a special plenum session in honor of US President Donald Trump at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, October 13, 2025

Gotliv accuses Shin Bet official of meeting with Hamas commander before Oct. 7 massacre

MK Gotliv accuses Shin Bet's Ronen Bar of sending a subordinate "to the Erez Crossing on the night of October 6 at around 10 p.m. to meet with [Hamas] Az-Adin al-Haddad."

 MK Tally Gotliv attends a conference as part of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, at the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on November 28, 2022.

Ronen Bar warns: Without a full probe, Israel is ‘condemning itself to the next October 7’

In his own address on Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the need for an unaffiliated committee of inquiry to investigate the failings of October 7. 

Former Shin Bet head at Tel Aviv University's Cyber Week conference, December 9, 2025.

WATCH: Retamim residents fear for safety after heavy gunfire from nearby Bedouin village

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the scene, and blamed previous Shin Bet head Ronen Bar for not acting on Bedouin crime.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir talks with residents of Carmit, southern Israel, November 17, 2025.

Israeli spy for Iran, Moti Maman, petitions court after moshav rejects his residency

Mordechai “Moti” Maman, currently serving ten years in prison for spying for Iran, has been trying to register as a resident of northern Israel moshav Bustan Hagalil.

 Moti Maman, 73, accused of visit Iran twice and being in contact with Iranian intelligence, arrives for a court hearing at the court in Beersheba, September 19, 2024.

Criticism of new Shin Bet chief David Zini is more about Netanyahu - analysis

Maj.-Gen. David Zini’s nomination as Shin Bet chief has sparked debate, with critics arguing concerns focus more on Netanyahu’s motives than Zini’s record.

 Maj.-Gen. (Res.) David Zini and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu submits proposal of Zini as next Shin Bet chief to Senior Appt.'s Advisory C'tee

In his letter, Netanyahu asked that matters be rushed so that Zini could take the appointment already on September 21, when the acting Shin Bet director 'S' finishes his tenure.

Designated head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) director David Zini seen with Ultra orthodox jewish soldiers from the Hasmonean Brigade after completing their beret march, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old city on August 6, 2025.