Israel’s Netanyahu Picks New Security Chief, Disregarding Legal Challenge

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday has officially appointed former Navy Commander Eli Sharvit as the new head of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), despite a Supreme Court ruling that has frozen the dismissal of the current chief, Ronen Bar.

This move has sparked fresh debates over the balance of power between Israel’s government and judiciary.

Court’s Intervention

Netanyahu’s decision comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s temporary suspension of Bar’s dismissal, following petitions from Israel’s opposition and a non-governmental organization. The Court’s order will remain in effect until April 8, when it is scheduled to hear arguments on the matter.

Prime Minister’s Office announced, “After thorough interviews with seven distinguished candidates, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed Vice-Admiral Eli Sharvit, a former commander of the Israeli Navy, as the next director of the Shin Bet.”

Sharvit’s military career spans 36 years, including five years as Navy Commander. During his tenure, he led critical operations to safeguard Israel’s maritime borders and conducted missions targeting threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.

The appointment has raised eyebrows, with critics accusing Netanyahu of attempting to undermine judicial authority. Benny Gantz, former Defense Minister and leader of the opposition, warned that this could trigger a constitutional crisis in Israel.

“It’s clear that the Prime Minister is escalating his conflict with the judiciary, potentially dragging the State of Israel into dangerous constitutional waters,” Gantz stated.

Ronit Levine-Schnur, a constitutional law professor at Tel Aviv University, expressed concerns about the government’s approach:

“While no laws have been directly violated, the timing and nature of these moves are highly concerning. It’s a dangerous game with the rule of law.”

Legal experts suggest that Netanyahu’s appointment of Sharvit, despite the court’s pending decision, may be an attempt to “create facts on the ground”—a strategy to influence the judicial outcome.

Attorney General’s Response

Following Bar’s dismissal on March 21, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara stated that Netanyahu was “legally prohibited” from appointing a new Shin Bet chief while the case was under judicial review. She also raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest.

However, Netanyahu defended his decision, asserting that the appointment of the Shin Bet’s head falls within the government’s authority.

Public Outcry & Protests

The controversy has fueled mass protests across Israel, with demonstrators voicing opposition to Bar’s dismissal, demanding the return of hostages held in Gaza, and criticizing Netanyahu’s judicial reform plans.

These reforms, which aim to reduce the judiciary’s independence by giving politicians more control over judicial appointments, have sparked some of the largest protests in Israel’s history. Although the government temporarily suspended the reforms amid the Gaza conflict, tensions have resurfaced following renewed efforts to advance the controversial changes.

Netanyahu’s move to appoint Sharvit, amid an ongoing legal battle, underscores the growing rift between Israel’s executive and judicial branches. As the country grapples with questions of democracy, judicial independence, and the rule of law, the Supreme Court’s final ruling could have profound implications for Israel’s political future.