Netanyahu and Shin Bet Chief Clash in Legal and Political Battle
In a deepening power struggle at the heart of Israel’s government, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are locked in a public confrontation over leadership, security failures, and legal legitimacy. In a court affidavit partially unsealed this week, Bar accused Netanyahu of attempting to use the internal security agency for personal political gain—a claim Netanyahu’s office called “full of lies.” The affidavit is part of ongoing legal efforts to prevent Netanyahu from firing Bar, who has offered to resign but opposes the timing of his removal.
The dispute has escalated tensions within Israel’s political and judicial systems, especially as the country continues its war in Gaza. Critics accuse Netanyahu of prioritizing political survival over national interest, including by delaying decisions related to a potential hostage deal. Supporters argue he remains capable of governing and is the target of politically motivated attacks.
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Netanyahu’s refusal to resign—despite being on trial for corruption—has fueled opposition calls for Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to declare him unfit. Experts warn such a move could trigger a constitutional crisis. Legal analyst Joey Asch and political scientist Liron Lavi, speaking to The Media Line, warned that declaring Netanyahu incapacitated without medical grounds would deepen the nation’s divisions and provoke intense backlash.
Reporter Keren Setton unpacks the broader stakes of this political standoff, including public trust in Israel’s democratic institutions and the unresolved failures leading to Hamas’ October 7 attack. To better understand what’s at stake in this clash of narratives and authority, read the full article at The Media Line.
