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Jerusalem, Israel – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to begin interviewing candidates for the position of head of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), following a High Court ruling that declined to expand an injunction blocking the dismissal of the current chief, Ronen Bar.
The decision, issued by High Court Justice Gila Kanfi-Steinitz on Tuesday, rejected Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara’s position that Netanyahu should be barred from taking any action affecting Bar’s status, including initiating interviews for his replacement.
However, the court accepted a request from the attorney-general to delay until April 8 the deadline for responding to petitioners seeking an interim injunction against Bar’s dismissal.
Legal Battle Over Shin Bet Leadership
The legal standoff between Netanyahu’s government and the attorney-general centers on allegations that Bar’s firing lacked proper administrative procedures and raised potential conflicts of interest.
In a Monday court filing, attorneys from the State Attorney’s Office described the situation as “complex, precedential, and of great importance,” emphasizing that the government’s decision lacked essential procedural safeguards, such as clear justifications and due process.
They further warned that the ramifications of Bar’s dismissal extend beyond his individual case, potentially undermining the independence of senior officials in the civil service and security sectors who wield significant legal powers.
Netanyahu Defends Government’s Authority
Netanyahu, in a separate legal filing, maintained that the government alone has the authority to appoint or remove the head of the Shin Bet, citing the government’s responsibility for national security.
He argued that the High Court’s intervention in Bar’s firing would amount to an overreach, stripping the executive branch of its constitutional powers.
The prime minister also countered claims that the dismissal was tied to ongoing investigations into Qatar’s financial ties to several of his current and former advisors.
Instead, he insisted that Bar’s removal was preordained due to his role in an internal investigation into Shin Bet’s failure to prevent the October 7 Hamas attack.
Bar’s Response and the Political Backlash
Bar, who has yet to formally appeal his dismissal in court, previously denounced Netanyahu’s decision, calling it based on “absurd allegations” and motivated by “nonprofessional reasons.” Netanyahu, however, argued that Bar’s statements effectively amounted to a resignation letter.
The controversy has drawn widespread reactions from political figures, security experts, and civil rights organizations, with some viewing the move as a politically driven attempt to consolidate control over Israel’s security apparatus.
What’s Next?
With the High Court’s ruling allowing Netanyahu to proceed with candidate interviews, the next phase of the legal battle will likely determine whether the government’s decision withstands judicial scrutiny.
If the court ultimately sides with the attorney-general, Bar’s removal could be overturned, setting a major precedent in Israel’s security governance.
For now, Netanyahu appears determined to move forward, raising questions about the long-term stability of Israel’s intelligence leadership and the role of judicial oversight in executive decisions concerning national security.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members