Mon Mar 31 16:08:37 UTC 2025: ## Netanyahu Defies Supreme Court, Appoints New Shin Bet Chief Amidst Constitutional Crisis

**Jerusalem, March 31, 2025** – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed former navy commander Eli Sharvit to head the domestic security agency (Shin Bet), despite a Supreme Court order freezing the dismissal of the current chief, Ronen Bar. This move has ignited a potential constitutional crisis, with opposition leaders and legal experts warning of a dangerous clash between the executive and judicial branches.

Netanyahu dismissed Bar on March 21st, citing a lack of trust stemming from Bar’s criticism of the government’s handling of the October 2023 Hamas attack and a Shin Bet investigation into alleged payments to a Netanyahu aide from Qatar. The Supreme Court subsequently suspended Bar’s dismissal following petitions from the opposition and an NGO.

Despite the ongoing legal challenge, Netanyahu proceeded with interviews and selected Sharvit, a 36-year veteran of the Israeli navy, for the Shin Bet position. The court’s ruling on Bar’s dismissal is pending until April 8th, but Netanyahu’s actions are seen by critics as an attempt to influence the court’s decision.

Opposition leader Benny Gantz, while praising Sharvit’s qualifications, condemned Netanyahu’s actions as reckless, warning of a looming constitutional crisis. Yair Lapid, another opposition leader, criticized the “hasty and irresponsible” selection process.

Legal experts, including Ronit Levine-Schnur of Tel Aviv University, expressed concern over the timing and approach, stating that while no laws may have been broken, the government’s actions are highly contentious. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara had previously stated that Netanyahu was prohibited from appointing a new chief.

The appointment further escalates tensions already high due to the government’s controversial judicial overhaul plans, which have sparked mass protests. These plans, temporarily suspended following the Gaza war, have since been revived. The current situation underscores the deep divisions within Israeli society and the precarious balance of power between its government and judiciary.

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