The days of Ronen Bar as Israel's Shin Bet chief were already numbered after Hamas's deadly attack on October 7, 2023, having hinted he would resign to take responsibility for failing to prevent it.

But he was sacked on Friday before he could depart himself, after incurring the wrath of the country's right wing over his positions, including on the attack.

The 59-year-old, with a salt and pepper buzz cut and beard, rose through the ranks to lead the internal security agency after three decades.

But he courted anger for speaking of "Jewish terrorism" and opening investigations that targeted those in power after his October 2021 appointment by the previous government.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited a "persistent loss of professional and personal trust" for Bar's dismissal, due to take effect by 10 April.

Bar, an Arabic speaker, was a former member of the Israeli army's elite Sayeret Matkal unit, like Netanyahu, but their relationship was strained.

In a letter made public late Thursday,........

© International Business Times