Ronen Bar

Israel must confront Jewish extremism while rejecting Europe’s double standards - editorial

The question is whether Jewish power there will be governed by law, restraint, responsibility, and reverence for human life, or hijacked by an extremist theology dressed up as patriotism.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and committee head MK Zvika Fogel attend a National Security committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament on March 24, 2026.
The new chief of the Israel Security Agency, Shin Bet, David Zini, participates in the state memorial ceremony for the 07 of October 2023 on Mount Herzl, in Jerusalem, 16 October 2025.

Shin Bet to change 'Qatargate' opinion says Urich, Feldstein didn't harm state security - report

Mossad Director Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman attends a ceremony marking the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle of the 7th Armored Brigade at the National Library in Jerusalem, on December 14, 2025.

Roman Gofman’s Mossad chief appointment signals a paradigm shift - analysis

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Shin Bet Director David Zini, October 23, 2025.

Shin Bet chief Zini backs agency's Oct. 7 findings, defying PM narrative


'No need to obey High Court if it supports Netanyahu's removal from position,' Zvi Sukkot says

Sukkot's comments came following Bar's submission of an affidavit to the High Court on Monday against his dismissal by the government. 

 Former MK Zvi Sukkot in Jerusalem. February 6, 2025.

Ronen Bar's battle is for us, we must all stand behind him - opinion

Bar is fighting to preserve the Shin Bet’s independence, that of the next agency chief, and the ability of gatekeepers to stand firm against the Prime Minister.

Shin Bet director Ronen Bar seen at Mount Herzl cemetery in Jerusalem, November 6, 2022

Opposition MKs join protesters demanding hostage deal at Habima Square, violence on Begin Street

The demonstration in Tel Aviv was also intensified due to the affidavit of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.

 Protesters call for a hostage deal at Tel Aviv's Habima Square on April 21, 2025.

Netanyahu on Case 1000: There was no ‘supply line’ for cigars, champagne

The hearing took place the same day that Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief Ronen Bar submitted an affidavit against the government’s attempt to fire him. 

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at court on day 23 of his trial testimony in Tel Aviv, April 21, 2025.

A new legal formula for fixing future PM, Shin Bet relations - analysis

Future prime ministers and Shin Bet chiefs need to know how far they can go and where there are guardrails.  

Shin Bet director Ronen Bar seen at Mount Herzl cemetery in Jerusalem, November 6, 2022

Was Netanyahu warned on Oct. 7? Prime Minister's Office sources weigh in

Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar claims he called the prime minister at 5:15 a.m., but Netanyahu said Bar was making false claims.

 Security cabinet meets to approve hostage deal. January 17, 2025.

'Bar could've prevented October 7': PMO refutes Shin Bet chief affidavit

Netanyahu's office argued that Bar did not inform the prime minister in a timely manner on the morning of October 7.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a situational assessment in northern Gaza, April 15, 2025.

Netanyahu, Bar fated to clash the moment Hamas took hostages - analysis

Tensions between Netanyahu and Bar grew after October 7, as differing views on the war shaped a rift in Israel’s leadership.

(L-R) Shin Bet director Ronen Bar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

‘Emergency alarm to Israeli democracy’: Politicians, NGOs react to Shin Bet affidavit

In the affidavit, Bar asserted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to fire him due to a series of measures that posed political threats.

 ILLUSTRATION: Benjamin Netanyahu and Ronen Bar

'Obey PM above all else': Shin Bet chief submits affidavit to High Court

"The prime minister expected the Shin Bet to act against citizens involved in protest activities and demonstrations against the gov't," Bar wrote.

 Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet security services, seen at Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem, October 27, 2024