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


'I am against hostage deals,' Netanyahu's Shin Bet chief pick says - report

The remarks, reportedly made during closed meetings at the General Staff, have sparked concern among hostage families and added to existing criticism regarding his suitability for the post.

Families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza and supporters attend a protest calling for their release, outside the Prime Minister's residence in Jerusalem on April 7, 2025.

Netanyahu justifies Shin Bet head appt, says Zini will not be involved in 'Qatargate' probe

The statement said that a permanent successor to Bar must be appointed by the time Bar's term ends on June 15.


Netanyahu's office publishes excerpts of pre-Oct. 7 Maj.-Gen. Zini report on IDF preparedness

“[...] In almost every sector, a surprise raid on our forces could succeed, undermining the rule ‘we will be surprised but not defeated.’"

 Maj.-Gen. David Zini attends a ceremony held at the IDF Central Command headquarters in Jerusalem, July 8, 2024

Israel at war day 595: What happened in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon?

US-Iran nuclear talks begin amid doubts; Netanyahu shares Zini report; Hezbollah seeks boost; Palestinian leaders exit Syria after harassment

 The Night time Operation of the Paratroopers Brigade in Syria, March 25, 2025.

'I want to apologize to you,' Ronen Bar tells Edan Alexander after Witkoff secures his release

"I want to apologize to you for falling into captivity also because of us, and for the fact that you were released thanks to Witkoff and not thanks to us," Bar reportedly told the freed hostage.

 Edan Alexander wearing Star of David necklace gifted by Steve Witkoff.

Netanyahu appoints IDF Maj.-Gen. David Zini as Shin Bet chief, despite court ruling

The appointment was made despite a High Court ruling that the dismissal of Shin Bet head Ronen Bar was illegal due to Netanyahu's conflict of interest in the "Qatargate" affair.

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

False, misleading, conspiratorial claims: Fact-checking Netanyahu's press conference - analysis

Many of the prime minister’s claims were inaccurate, misleading, contradictory, or conspiratorial.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a press conference, May 21, 2025.

Government will ignore A-G, appoint new Shin Bet head, PM says

The government intends to appoint a new Shin Bet head despite A-G's directive based on a High Court ruling earlier.

 ATTORNEY-GENERAL Gali Baharav-Miara attends the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Isaac Amit as president of the Supreme Court, in Jerusalem, last month. The attorney-general ‘hinders’ the prime minister from implementing policies as he wishes, the writer maintains.

'Victory for Israeli democracy': Israel weighs in on Ronen Bar High Court ruling

While many organizations in Israel called the High Court's ruling on Ronen Bar's firing a victory for democracy, some said the decision undermined the government.

Israelis protest against Benjamin Netanyhahu's government in Jerusalem, March 23, 2025

High Court rules gov't decision to fire Ronen Bar was illegal

The High Court ruling stated that due to the Qatargate case, the prime minister and the government's firing of Bar was a conflict of interest.