The head of Israel's Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency has resigned. Ronen Bar made the announcement that he would leave his position on 15 June at a memorial event for Shin Bet members who have died in service. It came after he had been engaged in a fierce trading of recriminations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who dismissed him last month. A challenge to the Supreme Court by the attorney general and the opposition had put the move on hold.
In a significant development, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar has announced his intention to resign, citing an orderly transition process. Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar announced his resignation following attempts by Prime Minister Netanyahu to dismiss him.
The Shin Bet, which handles counter-terrorism investigations, has been at the centre of a growing political battle pitting Netanyahu's right-wing coalition government against an array of critics ranging from members of the security establishment to families of hostages in Gaza.
