Netanyahu Seeks Dismissal of Shin Bet Chief, Attorney General Says No
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has announced his intention to dismiss Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency). This move has sparked a complex interplay of legal, political, and security considerations.
On Sunday evening, Prime Minister Netanyahu summoned Ronen Bar for an urgent meeting, during which he conveyed his plan to propose Bar’s dismissal to the cabinet later this week. Netanyahu cited a “continued lack of trust” in Bar’s leadership, stating, “At all times, but especially during an existential war such as the one we face, there must be full trust between the prime minister and the head of the Shin Bet. But unfortunately, the situation is the opposite—I do not have such trust. I have ongoing distrust in the head of the Shin Bet, a distrust that has grown over time.”
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara responded promptly, asserting that Netanyahu cannot proceed with Bar’s dismissal without a comprehensive legal review. She emphasized the necessity of examining the factual and legal basis for such a decision, highlighting concerns about potential illegality and conflicts of interest. Baharav-Miara noted, “The role of the head of the Shin Bet is not a personal trust position serving the prime minister.”
Justice Minister Yariv Levin countered the attorney general’s stance, asserting that the government possesses the authority to terminate the service of the Shin Bet chief before the end of their term. Levin remarked, “The Shin Bet Law explicitly states that the government has the authority to terminate the service of the head of the agency before the end of their term. This law should be known to the attorney general.” He further emphasized that Israel operates as a democracy where all, including the attorney general, are subject to the law.
Ronen Bar, appointed as Shin Bet chief in 2021 by then-Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, has been at the center of escalating tensions with Netanyahu. The discord intensified following the tragic events of October 7, 2023, when a surprise attack by Hamas resulted in significant Israeli casualties and hostages. The Shin Bet faced criticism for intelligence lapses leading up to the attack. While Bar acknowledged the agency’s shortcomings, he also pointed to longstanding governmental policies that may have contributed to the security failures.
Complicating matters, the Shin Bet has been investigating allegations involving Netanyahu’s close aides and their purported ties to Qatar. This probe, dubbed “Qatargate,” examines claims that some of the prime minister’s advisers received payments from Qatar during the Israel-Hamas war. Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss Bar coincides with this sensitive investigation, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
The announcement has elicited strong reactions across Israel’s political spectrum. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid criticized the move, suggesting that Netanyahu’s decision is linked to the ongoing investigation into his office’s connections with Qatar. Lapid stated, “Netanyahu has once again put his private interests above the good of the country and its security.”
Similarly, Yair Golan, head of the Israeli Democrat Party, condemned the dismissal attempt, labeling it a “declaration of war on the State of Israel.” Golan argued that the move is an attempt by a “criminal defendant” to eliminate a loyal public servant who is investigating serious offenses within Netanyahu’s close circle.
In contrast, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich supported Netanyahu’s decision, describing the replacement of the Shin Bet chief as a “necessary step.”
In a detailed statement, Ronen Bar addressed Netanyahu’s allegations, asserting that the prime minister’s expectation of personal loyalty contradicts the public interest and the principles guiding the Shin Bet. Bar emphasized that his duty of loyalty is foremost to Israeli citizens and that any expectation otherwise is “fundamentally illegitimate.” He also highlighted the need for comprehensive investigations into all parties, including government policies and the prime minister, to ensure public security.
Bar indicated his intention to remain in his position until the hostages are returned, sensitive investigations are completed, and potential successors are adequately prepared. He underscored his commitment to the state’s security and the proper functioning of the Shin Bet during this transitional period.
The process of dismissing a Shin Bet chief is unprecedented in Israel’s history. While the government holds the authority to appoint and dismiss the agency’s head, such a move typically requires legal scrutiny to ensure compliance with procedural and substantive safeguards. The attorney general’s insistence on a thorough legal review before proceeding with Bar’s dismissal underscores the sensitivity and potential ramifications of this decision.
This unfolding situation has significant implications for Israel’s security framework. The Shin Bet plays a crucial role in safeguarding national security, and any leadership changes during a period of heightened tensions could impact its operational effectiveness. The agency’s involvement in investigating figures within the prime minister’s circle adds a layer of complexity, as it raises questions about the independence of security and intelligence bodies from political influences.