Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's effort to fire Shin Bet director Ronen Bar highlights increasing tensions with the security establishment amid ongoing investigations into his aides.
Netanyahu's Attempt to Dismiss Shin Bet Chief Raises Alarm
Netanyahu's Attempt to Dismiss Shin Bet Chief Raises Alarm
Prime Minister's move to oust Ronen Bar sparks fears of undermining Israel's intelligence agency.
March 16, 2025, 5:59 p.m. ET—In a significant political maneuver, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intent to remove Ronen Bar, the head of Shin Bet, Israel's domestic intelligence agency. This decision has ignited fears among critics regarding the potential erosion of the agency's independence. The move reflects a deep-seated rift between Netanyahu and influential figures within Israel’s security apparatus, particularly concerning the management of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The push for Mr. Bar's dismissal arrives against the backdrop of Shin Bet's inquiries into allegations involving several aides to Netanyahu, including a case where one allegedly leaked sensitive information to a foreign media outlet. According to the Prime Minister's office, Netanyahu has reportedly notified Bar of a forthcoming draft resolution to be presented to the Israeli cabinet for approval regarding his termination.
However, legal hurdles may complicate this process. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has expressed that Netanyahu must not initiate any actions towards Bar's firing before legality is confirmed. Concerns arise about a potential conflict of interest due to the ongoing investigations into aides within Netanyahu’s circle. Members of Netanyahu’s coalition are vocally supporting his move to dismiss Bar, alleging that the intelligence chief has deliberately undermined the Prime Minister's authority. They have similarly called for the removal of Baharav-Miara, a figure whose relationship with Netanyahu has been fraught with tension.
The push for Mr. Bar's dismissal arrives against the backdrop of Shin Bet's inquiries into allegations involving several aides to Netanyahu, including a case where one allegedly leaked sensitive information to a foreign media outlet. According to the Prime Minister's office, Netanyahu has reportedly notified Bar of a forthcoming draft resolution to be presented to the Israeli cabinet for approval regarding his termination.
However, legal hurdles may complicate this process. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has expressed that Netanyahu must not initiate any actions towards Bar's firing before legality is confirmed. Concerns arise about a potential conflict of interest due to the ongoing investigations into aides within Netanyahu’s circle. Members of Netanyahu’s coalition are vocally supporting his move to dismiss Bar, alleging that the intelligence chief has deliberately undermined the Prime Minister's authority. They have similarly called for the removal of Baharav-Miara, a figure whose relationship with Netanyahu has been fraught with tension.
