Ronen Bar: You can't fire me, I AM the state!

Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar has openly refused to leave his post and said "I am continuing" until he thinks it is time for him to leave his position, according to a statement he made today (Sunday).

Here is his full statement:

As someone who headed the Shin Bet on October 7, I took responsibility for the Service's role and clearly stated that I intended to fulfill this responsibility before the end of my term, as should have been expected from everyone. Therefore, it is clear that my dismissal is not related to October 7. The Prime Minister clarified that the decision stems from his claim that there is ongoing mistrust between us.

Under my leadership, the Shin Bet conducted a thorough investigation that identified intelligence failures and internal processes on October 7, which are already being addressed. Additionally, the investigation pointed to policies led over the years, especially in the year preceding the massacre, by the government and its leader. The investigation reveals a long and deliberate disregard by the political echelon of the organization's warnings.

The need to investigate all factors, including government and Prime Minister policies, not just the IDF and Shin Bet who have thoroughly investigated themselves, is necessary for public security. If I do not insist on this, despite all personal costs I may pay, I would be failing in my duty to the state's security.

Truth-seeking is a supreme value in the Shin Bet; the public has the right to know what led to the massacre and the collapse of Israel's security concept.

My public responsibility is the foundation of my decision to continue in my role in the coming period, given the potential for escalation, high security tensions, and the real possibility of returning to fighting in the Gaza Strip, where the Shin Bet plays a central role.

Additionally, I must fulfill my personal commitment and the Service's commitment to returning the hostages, completing several sensitive investigations, and optimally preparing two candidates to replace me, for the Prime Minister's selection - as required by his state role and the extreme sensitivity of the Shin Bet, by virtue of its purpose and the law that grants it extensive and highly sensitive powers.

In a previous meeting, I informed the Prime Minister that I intended to complete the above before resigning from my position in coordination with him, given my responsibility to the public, state security, and the functioning of the Shin Bet for the benefit of the State of Israel.

As stated above, the duty of trust owed by the Shin Bet chief is primarily to the citizens of Israel - this concept underlies all my actions and decisions. The Prime Minister's expectation of a personal duty of trust that contradicts the public interest is fundamentally unacceptable and contradicts both the Shin Bet law and the principle of statehood that guides the Shin Bet and its personnel.

Army Radio reporter Doron Kadosh reports that Shin Bet sources said that Bar will accept a government decision to fire him, but that he will not resign on his own.