A political and legal battle has erupted in Israel as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara spar over the government’s move to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.
Baharav-Miara issued a directive barring Netanyahu from removing Bar after the High Court temporarily blocked the dismissal. She further prohibited the appointment of a new Shin Bet head or even conducting interviews for the role, according to Xinhua news agency.
In defiance, Netanyahu rejected the directive, asserting the government’s authority over security appointments. “Israel is a state of law, and according to the law, the government decides who heads the Shin Bet,” his office stated, dismissing any suggestion that the dispute could lead to internal unrest.
The controversy intensified on Friday when the High Court intervened to suspend Bar’s removal following a petition from opposition parties, who accused Netanyahu of acting out of a “severe conflict of interest.” Critics claim the prime minister is retaliating against Bar for Shin Bet’s investigations into the government’s security failures leading up to the October 7 Hamas attack.
Initially set to conclude his tenure on April 20, Bar’s term was abruptly shortened to April 10 by the cabinet, though reports suggest he could leave sooner if a successor is appointed.
Tensions between Netanyahu and Bar have escalated since the war began, particularly over Shin Bet’s scrutiny of government decision-making during wartime and the so-called “Qatar-Gate” scandal, which involves alleged undisclosed contacts between Netanyahu’s aides and Qatari officials.
Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that Netanyahu’s cabinet will discuss a no-confidence motion against Baharav-Miara on Sunday. Just hours after the dispute erupted, the government confirmed its intent to remove her from office, further deepening the political turmoil.
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