Israeli Supreme Court Blocks Netanyahu’s Move to Sack Security Chief

The Israeli Supreme Court has issued an injunction blocking Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from dismissing the head of the country’s security service, Ronen Bar, amid growing political tensions and public protests.

The court’s ruling, issued on Friday, suspends the decision until a hearing is held no later than April 8. The move follows the Israeli cabinet’s approval on Thursday night of Bar’s early dismissal, citing failures in preventing the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

Netanyahu Cites “Loss of Trust” in Security Chief

Netanyahu had announced his intention to remove Bar last week, stating that an “ongoing distrust” between them had developed over time.

In a letter to cabinet members, he pointed to a “persistent loss of professional and personal trust,” exacerbated during Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.

He proposed that Bar’s tenure end on April 20, cutting short his five-year term as chief of the Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic intelligence agency.

The dismissal, if carried out, would mark the first time in Israel’s history that a Shin Bet chief has been fired by the government. The agency plays a key role in intelligence operations related to Israel’s security and counterterrorism efforts, particularly in the war against Hamas.

However, Bar has pushed back against the decision, calling it politically motivated. According to The Times of Israel, he did not attend the cabinet vote but sent a letter arguing that his removal was “entirely tainted by conflicts of interest.”

Shin Bet Investigating Netanyahu’s Office Over Qatar Ties

Bar’s removal coincides with an ongoing investigation ordered by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara into allegations that Netanyahu’s office had improper financial ties with Qatar.

The Shin Bet is directly involved in probing the matter, raising concerns over potential political interference in the intelligence agency’s leadership.

A gag order has been imposed on information related to the investigation, but Netanyahu’s Likud party has denied all allegations.

Meanwhile, Baharav-Miara—who is herself facing efforts to be ousted by the government—has stated that Bar cannot be fired until the legality of the move is reviewed.

Public Backlash and Protests Intensify

Netanyahu’s decision to sack Bar has further fueled mass protests across Israel. Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Jerusalem, joining broader anti-government protests already underway in response to Israel’s renewed offensive in Gaza.

Opposition groups have condemned the move. Yesh Atid, the centre-right party led by former Prime Minister Yair Lapid, filed an appeal against the decision, calling it a “blatant conflict of interest.”

Meanwhile, the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, an NGO, warned that Bar’s removal could pose a “real risk to national security.”

Ongoing War in Gaza

The political crisis in Israel unfolds as the war in Gaza continues to escalate. Israel resumed its military offensive earlier this week after a failed ceasefire negotiation with Hamas.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 48,500 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.

Hamas had reportedly offered to release a living American hostage along with the bodies of four others to extend the ceasefire, but Israel rejected the terms.

Meanwhile, Israel has blocked all food, fuel, and medical supplies from entering Gaza since early March in an attempt to pressure Hamas.

With Netanyahu facing mounting domestic and international scrutiny, the Supreme Court’s intervention in Bar’s dismissal adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile political and security landscape in Israel.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members