Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich addressed Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) employees, slamming the agency’s chief, Ronen Bar, in a letter on Tuesday, following a Monday affidavit submitted by Bar.
“In recent days, I have had the opportunity to speak with several of you at all ranks and levels. I heard deep, widespread frustration about the situation that the Shin Bet has found itself in due to Bar being out of control and the turmoil that he has knowingly dragged the organization into,” Smotrich wrote.
“It is important for me to tell you all: The people of Israel and I, as a citizen, government minister, and member of the security cabinet, have full confidence in you and immense appreciation for your work,” Smotrich continued.
“I, along with the vast majority of the people of Israel, value your relentless dedication to the state and its security and thank you for it,” he said.
“Bar’s improper conduct does not tarnish the Shin Bet or, certainly, those of you serving within it. Do not let this storm affect your spirit, even though it comes from someone still clinging to the position of head of the organization. The agency is far greater and more important than the person leading it,” Smotrich wrote.
“Continue your vital work for the security of the state and its people. You have the full backing of the Israeli government and the people of Israel.
“On this occasion, please extend my appreciation to your spouses, children, and everyone around you who shares the burden of your service,” he added.
Bar’s sworn affidavit on Monday included damning charges against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including charges that the prime minister pressured Bar to use the Shin Bet’s power to evade giving testimony in his criminal trial and provide information on protest leaders.
Bar also asserted that the decision to fire him was made after he refused these demands, and in the wake of the development of two investigations into the prime minister’s inner circle.
Bar's firing and decision
Bar was officially fired on March 20, and the decision was set to go into effect on April 10. However, the legality of the firing is being examined in court, which has, in the meantime, frozen the government decision, thus leaving Bar in his position.
He wrote in the affidavit that he would soon announce in any case when he intended to step down.
Yesh Atid MK Vladimir Beliak, who coordinates the opposition MKs in the Knesset Finance Committee, countered Smotrich’s letter to Shin Bet employees by issuing his own, nearly identical letter addressed to employees in the Finance Ministry.
Beliak accused Smotrich of being “out of control” and “unprofessional,” and called him a “failed minister” who himself was “clinging to his position.”