Wed Apr 02 06:52:30 UTC 2025: ## Netanyahu Reverses Key Security Appointment After U.S. and Domestic Backlash

**Jerusalem, April 2, 2025** – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reversed his decision to appoint former navy commander Vice Admiral Eli Sharvit as the head of the Shin Bet security agency, just 24 hours after the announcement. The abrupt U-turn follows intense criticism from the Israeli opposition and a key U.S. senator, Lindsey Graham.

Sharvit’s appointment, intended to replace the incumbent director Ronen Bar whose dismissal is currently under Supreme Court review, sparked controversy after it emerged that Sharvit had publicly opposed policies of both the Netanyahu government and U.S. President Donald Trump. He had participated in 2023 protests against judicial reforms and supported a 2022 maritime border agreement with Lebanon that Netanyahu opposed. Furthermore, an opinion piece written by Sharvit criticizing Trump’s climate policies drew the ire of Senator Graham, who voiced concerns on X (formerly Twitter).

Opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned the appointment reversal, calling it a violation of state security and prioritizing political pressure over national interests. Former Defence Minister Benny Gantz echoed these sentiments. While legal experts state Netanyahu hasn’t violated any laws, Gantz insists the Shin Bet leadership decision should be delayed until the Supreme Court rules on Bar’s dismissal, a move that could trigger a constitutional crisis if overturned.

Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss Bar, citing a lack of trust, has already spurred daily mass protests in Jerusalem. The dismissal is further complicated by an ongoing investigation into alleged covert payments from Qatar to a Netanyahu aide, an investigation the Prime Minister called a “political witch hunt.” Netanyahu testified in this investigation on March 31st. Despite the reversal, Netanyahu thanked Sharvit for his willingness to serve and stated he would consider other candidates.

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