Former Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) director Ronen Bar was urgently removed from the United Arab Emirates after Israeli officials received a warning of a potential attack against him allegedly linked to Iran.
Bar was visiting the UAE alongside his wife, Dafna Bar-Agassi, to participate in a special security conference organized by UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (AbZ).
The gathering brought together senior figures from security, intelligence, and decision-making bodies representing several countries across the world.
According to Israeli journalist Michael Shemesh, an unusual security alert was issued during Bar’s stay in the UAE, triggering concerns over his personal safety and the possibility of an Iranian-directed operation targeting him. Following the warning, authorities decided to immediately evacuate Bar and his wife from the country and return them to Israel.
The circumstances surrounding the incident, including details of the evacuation, were kept highly confidential and had not been disclosed publicly until now.
Since stepping down as head of the Shin Bet, Bar has remained involved in a number of public initiatives.
In February, Israeli public broadcaster KAN News reported that Bar was working to advance the creation of a school focused on political leadership, a proposal that sparked criticism within Israel’s political circles.
