Benjamin Netanyahu Seeks Shin Bet Chief Removal
The move has sparked a heated debate about the role of the Shin Bet and the limits of executive power in Israel, with many questioning Netanyahu's motives and the potential consequences for the country's security and stability.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to remove Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet internal security agency, citing "ongoing distrust" and claiming that Bar's leadership has compromised Israel's war goals in Gaza and the country's security. Bar has denied any wrongdoing, stating that his duty is to the citizens of Israel, not the prime minister.
The move is believed to have majority support in the government, but could be subject to appeals by Israel's Supreme Court. Netanyahu has been critical of the Shin Bet and its leaders, blaming them for security lapses that led to the 2023 Hamas attacks that killed over 1,200 people. The Shin Bet has also been investigating Netanyahu's office for allegedly lobbying on behalf of Qatar, which Netanyahu denies.
Opposition politicians have criticized the move as politically motivated, and several far-right members of the government have applauded Netanyahu's decision. The dispute is also about Shin Bet independence and Netanyahu's attempt to appoint a loyalist as the new chief. The Israeli opposition has denounced government proceedings to dismiss Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, a critic of Netanyahu.
Former Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman has added to the controversy, saying he will reveal everything he knows if he concludes Netanyahu is acting in contravention of the law. The Shin Bet agency has issued a statement denouncing the accusation as "baseless" and praising Bar's dedication to security and democracy. Netanyahu has demanded Bar's departure, but the latter has refused to quit, leading to a possible showdown.
The controversy comes as Israel is under international pressure over its actions in Gaza, including a UN probe terming Israeli attacks on reproductive centers "genocidal". The situation is being closely watched, with many concerned about the implications for Israel's security and democracy.