Playing With Fire: Israeli Prime Minister Defies Court Over Shin Bet Official

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday appointed a new head of Israel’s domestic security agency, in spite of a Supreme Court ruling that suspended the dismissal of the current director, with some warning the move could trigger a constitutional crisis, Agence France-Presse reported.

On Monday, Netanyahu’s office announced the appointment of a former navy chief Vice-Admiral Eli Sharvit to lead Shin Bet. He will replace Ronen Bar, who was fired in mid-March by Netanyahu due to an “ongoing lack of trust.”

Bar had clashed with Netanyahu and his cabinet over security failures ahead of Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7, 2023, in southern Israel. His agency is also investigating alleged covert payments involving a Netanyahu aide and Qatar.

The firing of Bar led to protests over the past few weeks.

Israel’s opposition and non-governmental groups filed a petition against the move, prompting the Supreme Court to temporarily freeze Bar’s dismissal. The court said the suspension would remain in place until the appeal is heard, likely next week.

As a result, Sharvit’s appointment sparked questions about the legality of Netanyahu’s move to defy the court.

Critics, including opposition leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, accused the prime minister of defying legal norms and deepening tensions between the executive and judiciary.

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara previously ruled that Netanyahu was prohibited from naming a new Shin Bet chief during the legal freeze, warning of a potential conflict of interest.

Other legal analysts said that while Netanyahu had “not violated” any laws, his decision could be labeled “an attempt to influence the court.”

Monday’s announcement came amid a broader political clash over judicial authority.

Last week, Israel’s parliament passed a law expanding the power of elected officials to appoint judges, a key part of Netanyahu’s long-sought judicial overhaul, according to France 24.

Under the new law, which takes effect in the next legislative term, the nine-member committee selecting judges will include three Supreme Court justices, two ministers, two coalition lawmakers, one opposition lawmaker, and two public representatives – one chosen by the governing coalition and one by the opposition.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin said the new legislation restores the balance between branches of government, adding that the court had usurped legislative authority by voiding laws and hindering government actions.

Critics, however, warned that the change gives the government undue control over the judiciary and undermines democracy.

The law’s passage reignited mass protests last week in key cities across Israel, mirroring the mass unrest seen in 2023 when the reform package was first unveiled.