Mon Mar 31 10:48:15 UTC 2025: ## Netanyahu Nominates New Shin Bet Chief Amidst Ongoing Legal Battle Over Dismissal of Predecessor

**JERUSALEM** – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has nominated Vice Admiral Eli Sharvit to head the Shin Bet domestic security agency, despite a Supreme Court injunction blocking the dismissal of the previous chief, Ronen Bar. The announcement, made Monday, follows weeks of political turmoil surrounding Bar’s firing.

Netanyahu’s office cited Sharvit’s 36-year military career and experience in combating Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran as qualifications for the post. However, the move has drawn immediate criticism from the opposition, who accuse Netanyahu of defying the court and escalating a constitutional crisis.

Netanyahu sought to remove Bar following the October 7 Hamas attack, citing a loss of trust. Critics, however, allege the decision was politically motivated, pointing to ongoing Shin Bet investigations into alleged corruption within the Prime Minister’s inner circle. Bar himself denied any Shin Bet culpability in the attack, instead placing responsibility on the government.

The Supreme Court temporarily blocked Bar’s dismissal, pending a hearing scheduled for April 8th. While allowing the search for a new chief to proceed, the court’s intervention has clearly not deterred Netanyahu, who is facing accusations of undermining the judicial system.

Opposition leader Benny Gantz of the National Unity Party called the appointment a “campaign against the judicial system” and a step towards a “dangerous constitutional crisis.” Similarly, Yair Golan of the Democratic Union accused Netanyahu of attacking the rule of law. The appointment of Sharvit, therefore, remains a highly contested issue and further fuels ongoing tensions surrounding the balance of power in Israel.

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