Security shake-up: Netanyahu seeks dismissal of Shin Bet head
Prime minister cites ‘lack of trust’ as opposition claims move is tied to Qatar-gate probe.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. Netanyahu summoned Bar to an urgent meeting in his office, where he informed him of his intention to fire him. The Prime Minister's Office reported that Netanyahu told Bar he would bring a proposal to the government this week to terminate his position. The government is set to convene for a special session on Wednesday to approve Bar’s dismissal. Netanyahu offered Bar the opportunity to resign, but he refused.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara stated that she was not consulted before Netanyahu made the decision to dismiss Bar.
In a statement, Netanyahu said: “We are in the midst of an existential war—fighting on seven fronts. At all times, but especially during such a war, the prime minister must have full confidence in the head of the Shin Bet. Unfortunately, the situation is the opposite—I do not have that confidence. My distrust in the head of the Shin Bet has grown over time. As a result, I have decided to bring a proposal to the government this week to terminate his position. As the prime minister responsible for the Shin Bet, I am certain this step is necessary to restore the organization, achieve our war objectives, and prevent the next disaster.”
Opposition vows to fight Bar's dismissal
Opposition leader MK Yair Lapid announced that “Yesh Atid will petition the Supreme Court against Bar’s dismissal, which is clearly intended to obstruct a serious criminal investigation linked to the Prime Minister’s Office.”
Lapid noted that Netanyahu is the only senior security-related official who was in office on October 6 and has remained in power. “Defense Minister Yoav Galant was fired and later reinstated, Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi resigned, Head of Military Intelligence Aharon Haliva resigned, and now Shin Bet head Ronen Bar is being dismissed. Meanwhile, Mossad chief Dadi Barnea had no direct connection to the failures of October 6.”
Lapid further claimed that Netanyahu's decision was politically motivated, stating: “Netanyahu is firing Ronen Bar for one reason: the ‘Qatar-gate’ investigation. For a year and a half, he saw no reason to remove him. Only when the investigation into Qatar’s influence on Netanyahu’s office and the alleged transfer of funds to his closest aides began did he suddenly decide to fire him.”
Lapid also warned that Bar’s dismissal would harm efforts to return Israeli hostages, as he is a key figure in the negotiations.
Legal hurdles ahead
The process for Bar’s dismissal is expected to be legally complex and could face challenges in the Supreme Court.
Deputy Attorney General Dr. Gil Limon wrote in February that “the government has the legal authority to dismiss the Shin Bet chief, but such a decision—especially regarding the head of a security agency with law enforcement powers—must follow a proper process, based solely on factual considerations and in accordance with the law.”
If the government approves the dismissal, the matter will be reviewed by the Grunis Committee for senior appointments. This committee, which previously approved Bar’s appointment, will need to decide whether to approve his removal. It consists of former Supreme Court President Asher Grunis, the Civil Service Commissioner (a position currently vacant), and two government-appointed representatives: Prof. Talia Einhorn and Moshe Tery. A quorum of three out of four members is required for the committee to convene.
Even if the committee approves the dismissal, legal experts anticipate multiple petitions to the Supreme Court challenging the move.
