Report: Netanyahu mulls firing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering dismissing Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief Ronen Bar, according to sources close to the Prime Minister.

The discussion comes after a security scare when flares were fired near Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea on Saturday, with some close to the Prime Minister citing this incident as evidence of a security failure that warrants Bar's removal.

Some of Netanyahu's associates are pushing for a swift decision. While the Prime Minister's Office has officially denied the claims, calling the reports "completely untrue," media figures with close ties to Netanyahu, including Yinon Magal and Shimon Riklin from Channel 14, have publicly called for Bar's dismissal. Magal tweeted that a senior government official stated, "The Prime Minister must dismiss the head of Shin Bet."

Bar, who has held the position since 2021, was appointed to a legally mandated five-year term. However, the government has the authority to terminate his tenure before its completion. Historically, no head of Shin Bet has been dismissed during their term, with only two resigning early.

* The Jerusalem Post contributed to this article.