Shin Bet Chief Bar Reportedly Expresses Desire to Resign

Recordings of a conversation between Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar and a bereaved father were published by Channel 12 on Sunday, in which Bar revealed that he no longer wishes to remain in his post, adding that his daughter has been unable to attend school because of harassment she has been facing.

He addressed the question of accountability for Oct. 7, emphasizing that he had already acknowledged his responsibility long before any official investigation took place.

Bar noted that he was not given a proper opportunity to step down at the time.
“The meaning of taking responsibility is resignation, I tell you unequivocally, resignation, and not two days before the end of term when it would be merely symbolic,” he clarified in the report.

Bar elaborated on the daily struggle he experiences, explaining, “I face a daily dilemma about this, considering the security of Israel’s citizens; what is the precise timing that would be right for me to resign,” while affirming that he has “no desire to continue in the role.”

Describing the personal toll the situation has taken, Bar stated, “I am paying the price; my daughter can not go to school, she is forced to hear provocations that are now coming with an official sanction.”

Channel 12 further reported Bar expressing that he feels burdened by the need to continually defend his decisions: “I feel uncomfortable having to defend my opinion. I just want to tell you that maybe this is what weighs on me more than anything.”

Bar stressed to the bereaved father that his actions are not driven by political or ideological motives, assuring, “There is nothing political or ideological here,” and emphasizing that he would not compromise his principles during his final weeks in office.

He ended the conversation with a pledge, telling the father, “I hear what you are saying with great pain, and I will genuinely try to bring this story to an end.”