Shin Bet Denies Secret Probe into Police as Political Firestorm Erupts

Jerusalem – The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) has denied reports that it conducted a secret investigation into the Israeli police over suspicions of undermining the state and democracy.

In a Monday evening press statement, the agency dismissed the allegations, emphasizing that no such probe has taken place.

“No Shin Bet investigation has been conducted on this matter, neither regarding the police nor the political echelon, and no such investigation is currently taking place,” the statement read.

The agency added that Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar had spoken with Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai to clarify the situation, with both sides reaffirming the importance of their cooperation.

The denial follows a Channel 12 report on Sunday that suggested the agency had investigated potential subversive elements within law enforcement, particularly concerning the dissemination of Kahanist ideology.

The report stirred political turmoil, prompting strong reactions from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, both of whom denied any knowledge of such an inquiry.

Political Fallout and Calls for Dismissal

In response to the allegations, Ben-Gvir’s office issued a scathing statement, calling for the immediate dismissal of Ronen Bar.

“It is now even clearer why Ronen Bar must not remain as head of the Shin Bet,” the ministry’s statement read. “A head of a secret organization who initiates investigations and gathers materials against elected officials while predefining the target is an immediate threat to democracy.”

The statement further accused the agency of attempting a “political coup” by conducting an unauthorized investigation aimed at undermining the government.

Later, Ben-Gvir escalated his criticism, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to demand criminal charges against Bar.

“Ronen Bar is a criminal and a liar, now trying to deny his attempt to conspire against elected officials in a democratic country, even after the documents have been exposed for all to see,” he wrote. “I will not settle for his dismissal—he must face criminal prosecution for attempting a coup and undermining democracy.”

Netanyahu Moves to Remove Shin Bet Chief

The controversy comes amid Netanyahu’s push to remove Bar from his position. Last week, the prime minister reportedly planned to bring a motion before the cabinet to oust the Shin Bet chief, citing dissatisfaction with his leadership.

The move follows allegations that Bar opened an investigation into “Qatargate,” a scandal implicating Netanyahu aides in illicit dealings with Qatar. On Saturday, Netanyahu claimed in a video statement that Bar had launched the probe to preemptively counter his dismissal.

Police Commissioner “Surprised” by Report

The Israeli police also distanced themselves from the controversy, with Commissioner Shabtai stating he was “surprised” by the allegations and “unfamiliar with the matter.”

“If such allegedly serious suspicions with potentially dangerous implications have indeed arisen, their details must first and foremost be conveyed to the head of the organization to address them,” the police statement noted.

The Shin Bet, however, reaffirmed its legal mandate in tracking extremist elements, stating that the Kach and Kahane Chai movements—outlawed as terrorist organizations—remained a security concern.

“Whenever information on this matter is received, the service also addresses concerns regarding the infiltration of these elements into government institutions, particularly law enforcement agencies,” it said.

As tensions escalate, the fate of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar remains uncertain, with the political battle over the agency’s role in Israel’s security landscape continuing to unfold.

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