World

Netanyahu fires Shin Bet chief

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a "lack of confidence" in Shin Bet chief Ronen Bari and announced yesterday that he will dismiss him.

"At all times, but especially in an existential war like this, the prime minister must have complete confidence in the head of the Shin Bet.

Unfortunately, the situation is the opposite: I do not have such confidence. I have a constant distrust of the head of the Shabak, a lack of trust that has only continued to grow over time," Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video message released by his office.

For his part, the head of the internal security service confirmed that his dismissal was unrelated to the Hamas attack.

"As head of the Shin Bet, on October 7, I assumed my duties in the agency and made it clear that I would accept them until the end of my term. Therefore, it is clear that (...) my dismissal is not related to the Hamas attack. "Expectations of personal loyalty from the Prime Minister are contrary to the public interest," the Shin Bet leadership said.