Israeli Supreme Court rejects Netanyahu’s plea to unfreeze Shin Bet chief’s dismissal

By Zein Khalil and Mohammad Sio

JERUSALEM (AA) - Israel’s Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request to lift a freeze on his government’s decision to dismiss Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet security agency, official media reported.

The court, the nation’s highest judicial body, ruled that Bar cannot be removed before April 8, when justices will review opposition petitions challenging the dismissal, Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported.

However, the court permitted Netanyahu to interview candidates for Bar’s replacement.

Last Friday, Netanyahu’s government decided to end Bar’s tenure on April 10, unless a permanent successor is appointed earlier.

The Supreme Court then issued a temporary injunction halting the move until the April 8 hearing, following petitions from opposition parties and NGOs.

These groups, including Yesh Atid, National Unity, Yisrael Beytenu, the Democrats, and the Movement for Quality Government, argued the dismissal reflects a “serious conflict of interest” tied to Shin Bet investigations involving Netanyahu and the agency’s report blaming the government for the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack.

Netanyahu defended his push to oust Bar, asserting the decision falls within governmental authority and should not be subject to judicial oversight.

He cited a “lack of trust” in Bar, rooted in the fallout from the Oct. 7, 2023 attack. This marks the first time an Israeli government has moved to fire a Shin Bet chief.

Bar himself hinted at political motives, suggesting Netanyahu sought “personal loyalty” he refused to provide. Meanwhile, massive protests have gripped Israeli streets in recent days, decrying the dismissal attempt.