Netanyahu’s Battle With Israel’s Security and Legal Chiefs Intensifies
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to remove Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara have sparked concerns over political interference in security and legal institutions. In my latest article for The Media Line, I explore whether these moves are part of a broader attempt to weaken institutional oversight and shield Netanyahu from investigations.
The push to oust Bar comes as the Shin Bet probes alleged illicit ties between Netanyahu’s aides and Qatar. Meanwhile, Baharav-Miara, who has resisted government attempts to weaken the judiciary, faces mounting pressure from Netanyahu’s allies to step down. Critics argue that these dismissals are part of a pattern in which Netanyahu removes officials who challenge him. Since the Hamas-led October 7 attack, he has already forced out or marginalized top security figures, including former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and the former defense minister, Yoav Gallant.
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Supporters of Netanyahu insist that he has the right to choose officials he trusts, particularly in wartime. They claim that opposition to his decisions stems from political bias rather than genuine security concerns. But opposition leaders and former security officials warn that sidelining independent figures could erode Israel’s democratic foundations.
Public protests are growing, with demonstrators accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing personal loyalty over national security. Legal battles may also be on the horizon, as Baharav-Miara has warned that Netanyahu cannot fire Bar without legal justification.
To understand the deeper political and legal ramifications of these developments, I invite you to read my full analysis on The Media Line.
