Israel’s Supreme Court issued an injunction on Friday, temporarily freezing the dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, as nationwide protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to remove him entered their fourth day.
Netanyahu announced last week that he had lost confidence in Bar and planned to dismiss him, a move widely criticized as an attempt to undermine key state institutions. The announcement sparked mass demonstrations in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with tens of thousands taking to the streets.
“I’m looking at the end of Israel as we knew it,” said protester Uri Arnin in Jerusalem. “We are very concerned that these are the last days of Israel as a democracy.”
The Supreme Court’s ruling allows time to consider petitions against Bar’s removal, with a final decision expected no later than April 8. The cabinet had approved Bar’s dismissal late Thursday, but legal challenges quickly followed.
Political Fallout and Investigations
Bar, one of the main negotiators in ceasefire and hostage-release talks, had previously indicated he would resign within 18 months, accepting responsibility for Shin Bet’s failure to prevent Hamas’s October 7 attack. However, his removal is now tied to a growing political scandal involving alleged financial ties between Qatar and Netanyahu’s aides.
“This is not just about Ronen Bar,” said Eliad Shraga of the Movement for Quality Government, an anti-corruption group that filed a petition against the dismissal. “This is really about Israeli democracy and the rule of law.”
Israeli media reported that Shin Bet launched an investigation into these allegations in February. In a letter to the government contesting his dismissal, Bar described completing the probe as a “public duty of the highest order.”
Netanyahu, already on trial for separate corruption charges, dismissed the allegations as “fake news” and “a politically motivated campaign.” A Qatari official also denied the claims, calling them part of a “smear campaign” against Qatar.
Rising Tensions and Mass Protests
The protests against Bar’s dismissal have merged with ongoing demonstrations over the Israeli government’s handling of the war in Gaza and the fate of hostages still held by Hamas. Many Israelis are outraged by the resumption of military strikes in Gaza after a weeks-long ceasefire, with critics accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing his political survival over national security.
Despite the public outcry, Netanyahu remains politically secure, backed by his coalition and hardline allies, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. In a social media post, Netanyahu defended his decision: “The State of Israel is a state of law, and according to the law, the Israeli government decides who will be the head of the Shin Bet.”
Meanwhile, Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that a motion of no confidence in Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, a frequent government critic, will be discussed in Sunday’s cabinet meeting.
As tensions escalate, the future of Israel’s security leadership remains uncertain, with the Supreme Court set to play a decisive role in the coming days.
Source: Swifteradio.com
