Ronen Bar

Stop holding only one man accountable for Oct. 7 – opinion

Many experts and decision-makers saw the warning signs prior to Hamas’s massacre and misread them. Israel’s prime minister wasn’t the only one failing the nation; an entire misguided mechanism was.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the United Nations in New York City, September 24, 2026.
A view of homes destroyed and burned in the Hamas October 7, 2023 massacre at Kibbutz Nir Oz, near the Gaza border, August 5, 2026

Has Netanyahu's postponement of a state commission of inquiry into October 7 backfired? - analysis

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

Ex-Shin Bet chief threatens defamation suit against Netanyahu amid 'unrestrained incitement'

Senior Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, speaks during a conference in Gaza city, on November 4, 2019.

Former Fatah official reveals new details on Sinwar's 'earthquake' warning to Israel before Oct. 7


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

US, Iran set third round of nuclear talks - what's next? - analysis

Technical experts on each side are already meeting up to discuss specific, concrete solutions and terms for complex problems.

US President Donald Trump seen over an Iranian flag (illustrative)