There was no immediate comment from Shin Bet or from Bar, whose dismissal would likely draw criticism in Israel.

Netanyahu and Bar’s relations were often described in Israeli media as tense throughout the war against Hamas in Gaza.

In a video statement, Netanyahu said that he had long lost his confidence in Bar and that trust in the Head of the domestic security service was especially crucial at a time of war.

The war was triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 surprise attack, widely seen as Israel’s worst security failure, which led to its single deadliest day, with 1 200 people killed and 251 taken hostage to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

Shin Bet is currently part of an investigation into possible links between employees in Netanyahu’s office and Qatar, which has been mediating ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel.

--Reuters--