Israel's government fired Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, sparking protests. Bar criticized the decision, while Netanyahu blamed the "leftist Deep State." Protesters also opposed the renewed Gaza conflict, fearing for hostages.

The Israeli government voted unanimously on Thursday to support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to dismiss Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet, Israel's internal intelligence agency. The announcement came from the prime minister's office, stating, "The Government unanimously approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal to end ISA Director Ronen Bar's term of office."

The decision to fire Bar has sparked widespread protests across Israel since Tuesday, with tens of thousands demonstrating against the government's move. The Shin Bet, alongside Israeli police, is currently investigating several of Netanyahu's aides over alleged financial ties to Qatar while they also work for the Israeli leader.

Bar was absent from the meeting where the decision to terminate his position was made, opting instead to communicate his views through a letter. The letter, which was leaked to Israeli media, described the manner of his dismissal as "inappropriate for any employee, let alone a high-ranking one, let alone the head of the Shin Bet." Bar also challenged Netanyahu's rationale for the decision, suggesting the prime minister's explanation was meant to "hide the real motives" behind his removal, which he characterized as "profoundly wrong."

Bar directly addressed Netanyahu's assertion that trust in the Shin Bet leader had been lost. He argued, "This is not about the lack of trust, but about the perception of personal loyalty over loyalty to the public."

Following the government's decision, Netanyahu took to his X account to criticize what he called the "leftist Deep State" for allegedly trying to "thwart the people's will." The protests intensified outside Netanyahu's official residence, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police. Israeli authorities made several arrests, and officers used water cannons to disperse the crowds. Reports from Israeli media indicated that some protesters attempted to breach police barricades, resulting in injuries.

Among those involved in the demonstrations was Yair Golan, leader of the Democratic opposition party, who was pushed to the ground by police. Golan later posted on X, stating, "A few pushes will not stop me. Now, we keep on fighting, we bring back the hostages and we stop the coup!"

In addition to protesting Bar's dismissal, demonstrators expressed frustration over the resumption of military operations in Gaza, which ended a two-month ceasefire. Many believe the renewed fighting jeopardizes the potential return of hostages held by Hamas. Several hostages freed during the ceasefire voiced their concerns on social media, condemning the government's decision to end the ceasefire. Some described it as a "death sentence" for those still captive.

Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by Israel, Germany, the United States, and several other countries, is believed to hold 59 hostages taken during its attack on October 7, 2023. Approximately 20 of these hostages are thought to be alive.

Recent opinion polls indicate that most Israelis favor continued negotiations for a hostage exchange deal that could lead to an end to the conflict and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.