Flares fired near PM’s Caesarea home were the last straw as tensions over security leadership and internal political strife boil over.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly contemplating the dismissal of Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief Ronen Bar following a security incident near his private residence in Caesarea. On Saturday, flares were fired into the garden of Netanyahu’s home, an act described by officials as a “dangerous escalation” of protests against the prime minister.

The incident has intensified discussions within Netanyahu’s inner circle regarding potential security lapses. Some close associates are pressuring the prime minister to take decisive action, including the removal of Bar from his position. Despite these internal deliberations, the Prime Minister’s Office has publicly denied any such plans, stating, “The report is completely untrue. No discussion on the matter took place.”

Media figures aligned with Netanyahu, such as Channel 14 commentators Yinon Magal and Shimon Riklin, have publicly called for the dismissal of Bar and other security officials. Magal tweeted, “A senior government official: The Prime Minister must dismiss the head of the Shin Bet,” while Riklin stated, “We must send Herzi and Ronen Bar home,” referring to IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.

Ronen Bar, appointed as Shin Bet chief in 2021, is serving a five-year term mandated by law. While the government has the authority to terminate his tenure, no Shin Bet chief in Israel’s history has ever been dismissed mid-term. Only two have resigned before completing their appointments.

Bar has faced increasing scrutiny in recent months, particularly following the October 7 attacks. Tensions between Bar and the Netanyahu family have reportedly grown, fueled by disagreements over security protocols, intelligence warnings, and Bar’s role in hostage negotiations.

Criticism of Bar intensified after the Shin Bet’s involvement in investigating the classified documents affair, which implicated Eli Feldstein, a spokesperson for Netanyahu. Feldstein’s case has further strained relations between the agency and the prime minister’s office.

The potential dismissal of Bar would mark a significant shift in Israel’s security leadership. Earlier this month, Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over disagreements on critical issues, including the draft exemption law and Gaza strategy. In July, reports suggested Netanyahu planned to replace the Chief of Staff and Shin Bet chief as part of a broader reshuffle of senior security positions.