ALBAWABA — Tensions between Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu escalated on Friday when Bar said that Netanyahu's attempt to fire him was based on a personal request that he turned down.
Bar said in a public statement that Netanyahu requested that he not testify in the Prime Minister's ongoing corruption trial, citing concerns about national security. Bar said that by turning down the request, he caused a rift in their mutual confidence.
Netanyahu's administration responded by denying any personal reasons for the firing and claiming that the main problem was Bar's performance, namely his apparent failure to send a warning of the October 7 Hamas assault. According to the statement, Bar's credibility and efficacy were severely harmed by his failure to inform political leaders before to the assault.
Bar's allegation that Netanyahu attempted to abuse the agency's authority was also denied by the Prime Minister's Office, which called the charge "false and baseless."
Gali Baharav-Miara, Israel's attorney general, stepped in, urging the Supreme Court to reverse the dismissal and cautioning that the action might have a significant effect on the Shin Bet's activities. In anticipation of a thorough assessment on April 8, the court has temporarily halted the ruling.
Netanyahu has had difficulty selecting a replacement in the meantime. After it came to light that he had previously participated in anti-government demonstrations, his first choice, retired Navy Commander Eli Sharvit, was dropped. Since then, Netanyahu has suggested designating the deputy head of the Shin Bet as acting chairman until a permanent successor is found.
