Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich addressed Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) employees in a letter on Tuesday, following the Monday affidavit submitted by the agency's chief, Ronen Bar.
“In recent days, I have had the opportunity to speak with several of you, members of the service at all levels. I hear widespread deep frustration about the situation the Shin Bet has found itself in, due to Ronen Bar being out of control and the turmoil he has knowingly dragged the organization into,” Smotrich began.
“It is important for me to tell you all: the people of Israel and I—as a citizen, as a government minister, and as a member of the Security Cabinet—have full confidence in you and immense appreciation for your work. I, along with the vast majority of the people of Israel, value your dedication to the state and its security hour by hour, and thank you for it,” Smotrich continued.
“Ronen 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 organization 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 Government of Israel 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,” Smotrich wrote.
Bar’s sworn affidavit on Monday included damning charges again Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including charges that the PM 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 Bar refused these demands, and also after 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 froze the government decision, thus leaving Bar in his position.
Bar wrote in the affidavit that he would announce soon 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”.