Netanyahu’s Decision To Sack Shin Bet Chief Draws Political, Legal Backlash
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar on Sunday that he will seek government approval for Bar’s dismissal, escalating tensions within Israel’s security establishment amid ongoing conflict and internal political struggles.
Netanyahu cited a loss of trust as the primary reason for seeking the removal of Bar, leader of Israel’s domestic security agency responsible for counterterrorism and internal security. Netanyahu’s office emphasized the need for “personal trust” between the prime minister and security chiefs during wartime.
In response, Bar strongly opposed Netanyahu’s claims, asserting that the trust he needed was from the Israeli public, not personal loyalty to the prime minister. “The expectations of personal trust go against state interests,” Bar stated, highlighting concerns of potential escalation in the region, particularly during sensitive times of renewed conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
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Bar previously informed Netanyahu of his intention to step down, but only after the remaining 59 hostages, captured during the October 7 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis, were safely returned. He also said he wanted to conclude “sensitive investigations,” which include inquiries into possible links between Netanyahu’s government officials and the Qatari government.
Bar emphasized that any serious investigation must also examine the government’s role and particularly that of the prime minister himself. He accused Netanyahu of repeatedly disregarding intelligence warnings leading up to the deadly Hamas incursion.
Additionally, Israel’s Movement for Quality Government denounced Netanyahu’s move, alleging it was designed to undermine ongoing investigations into suspected government ties with Qatar, a crucial intermediary between Israel and Hamas.
The proposal to dismiss Bar will be presented for government approval on Wednesday, though observers expect significant opposition and potential legal challenges to Netanyahu’s controversial decision, potentially intensifying Israel’s domestic political turmoil.
