Benjamín Netanyahu Disputes Supreme Court Ruling on Shin Bet Chief Dismissal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces backlash after the Supreme Court freezes his attempt to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar amid ongoing security concerns.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is embroiled in a confrontation with the country's judicial system following a Supreme Court ruling that froze his recent decision to dismiss Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency.
The Supreme Court's order, issued last Friday, is in place pending a review of petitions from opposition parties and a non-governmental organization that challenged Bar's dismissal.
Netanyahu asserted via social media platform X that the government retains the authority to appoint the Shin Bet's leadership, stating, "The State of Israel is a state of law, and according to the law, the government of Israel decides who will be the head of the Shin Bet."
The Shin Bet has been involved in investigations concerning allegations against Netanyahu's close aides, including potential leaks of classified information and fund transfers from Qatar, noted for its financial support to Hamas.
In a letter disclosed late Thursday, Bar claimed that his termination was driven by Netanyahu's "personal interests," particularly in light of findings from his agency regarding the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The report indicated that a policy focusing on maintaining tranquility allowed Hamas to significantly enhance its military capabilities.
Bar emphasized that removing the agency's chief during an active investigation could jeopardize its effectiveness and national security.
The Supreme Court's ruling indicated that Bar's dismissal would remain on hold until the petitions are examined, which is expected before April 8. According to prior government announcements, Bar's departure was to coincide with the appointment of his successor or by April 10, at the latest.
Bar, who was appointed under a previous administration, was serving a term that was due to end next year.
Tensions between him and Netanyahu had escalated prior to the October assault, notably over controversial judicial reforms that have divided Israeli society.
Following the release of the internal Shin Bet report, which acknowledged the agency's deficiencies, relations further deteriorated.
A spokesperson for Netanyahu declared on Friday that the government had lost faith in Bar, accusing him of failing to take responsibility for the ramifications of the October 7 incident, where 1,200 individuals, primarily civilians, were killed.
In contrast, Netanyahu has faced no accountability for the incident, amidst calls for an extensive inquiry into the security failures.
After the government’s dismissal vote, opposition factions and an NGO filed a petition against the decision, resulting in a Supreme Court injunction against the dismissal.
The NGO Movement for Quality Government condemned the decision as unlawful and noted it posed a threat to national security.
Meanwhile, Shlomo Karhi, the communications minister and a member of Netanyahu's Likud party, responded to the court's ruling, asserting that judges lacked the authority to interfere in government decisions.
He insisted that Bar would conclude his term as initially planned.
In the wake of Bar's dismissal, prominent former officials expressed concerns over the implications for the Shin Bet's efficacy and governance.
Yoram Cohen, a former head of the agency, criticized the dismissal, citing past instances where Netanyahu allegedly influenced troubling practices within the agency.
On a related note, Netanyahu's cabinet is scheduled to debate a motion of no confidence against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, accused of acting against the government’s interests.
Baharav-Miara has advised Netanyahu on legal constraints regarding Bar’s termination, warning that any unlawful actions could have wider implications.
Netanyahu, currently facing potential imprisonment due to ongoing corruption charges, continues to testify regularly in court.
On Friday, protests erupted across Israel for the fourth consecutive day against the decision to dismiss Bar, alongside public discontent regarding the recommencement of military operations in Gaza, where 59 Israeli hostages are reported to remain.
The political turmoil in Israel has intensified, with various sectors threatening strikes and protest actions should the government disregard the Supreme Court's mandate.
Calls for adherence to judicial rulings have emerged from legal professionals, labor unions, and educational institutions, all emphasizing the importance of the rule of law amidst the prevailing unrest.
The Supreme Court's order, issued last Friday, is in place pending a review of petitions from opposition parties and a non-governmental organization that challenged Bar's dismissal.
Netanyahu asserted via social media platform X that the government retains the authority to appoint the Shin Bet's leadership, stating, "The State of Israel is a state of law, and according to the law, the government of Israel decides who will be the head of the Shin Bet."
The Shin Bet has been involved in investigations concerning allegations against Netanyahu's close aides, including potential leaks of classified information and fund transfers from Qatar, noted for its financial support to Hamas.
In a letter disclosed late Thursday, Bar claimed that his termination was driven by Netanyahu's "personal interests," particularly in light of findings from his agency regarding the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The report indicated that a policy focusing on maintaining tranquility allowed Hamas to significantly enhance its military capabilities.
Bar emphasized that removing the agency's chief during an active investigation could jeopardize its effectiveness and national security.
The Supreme Court's ruling indicated that Bar's dismissal would remain on hold until the petitions are examined, which is expected before April 8. According to prior government announcements, Bar's departure was to coincide with the appointment of his successor or by April 10, at the latest.
Bar, who was appointed under a previous administration, was serving a term that was due to end next year.
Tensions between him and Netanyahu had escalated prior to the October assault, notably over controversial judicial reforms that have divided Israeli society.
Following the release of the internal Shin Bet report, which acknowledged the agency's deficiencies, relations further deteriorated.
A spokesperson for Netanyahu declared on Friday that the government had lost faith in Bar, accusing him of failing to take responsibility for the ramifications of the October 7 incident, where 1,200 individuals, primarily civilians, were killed.
In contrast, Netanyahu has faced no accountability for the incident, amidst calls for an extensive inquiry into the security failures.
After the government’s dismissal vote, opposition factions and an NGO filed a petition against the decision, resulting in a Supreme Court injunction against the dismissal.
The NGO Movement for Quality Government condemned the decision as unlawful and noted it posed a threat to national security.
Meanwhile, Shlomo Karhi, the communications minister and a member of Netanyahu's Likud party, responded to the court's ruling, asserting that judges lacked the authority to interfere in government decisions.
He insisted that Bar would conclude his term as initially planned.
In the wake of Bar's dismissal, prominent former officials expressed concerns over the implications for the Shin Bet's efficacy and governance.
Yoram Cohen, a former head of the agency, criticized the dismissal, citing past instances where Netanyahu allegedly influenced troubling practices within the agency.
On a related note, Netanyahu's cabinet is scheduled to debate a motion of no confidence against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, accused of acting against the government’s interests.
Baharav-Miara has advised Netanyahu on legal constraints regarding Bar’s termination, warning that any unlawful actions could have wider implications.
Netanyahu, currently facing potential imprisonment due to ongoing corruption charges, continues to testify regularly in court.
On Friday, protests erupted across Israel for the fourth consecutive day against the decision to dismiss Bar, alongside public discontent regarding the recommencement of military operations in Gaza, where 59 Israeli hostages are reported to remain.
The political turmoil in Israel has intensified, with various sectors threatening strikes and protest actions should the government disregard the Supreme Court's mandate.
Calls for adherence to judicial rulings have emerged from legal professionals, labor unions, and educational institutions, all emphasizing the importance of the rule of law amidst the prevailing unrest.
