In a move seen as part of a wider push by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to increase control over various branches of the state, Netanyahu has announced plans to remove the head of Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, the Shin Bet. This comes following previous attempts to dismiss the attorney general and exert greater control over the selection of Supreme Court justices.
These efforts are reminiscent of previous failed attempts in 2023 to reduce the power of state watchdogs such as the Supreme Court and attorney general, which sparked mass protests and division in Israeli society. The current attempt to remove the Shin Bet head, Ronen Bar, is believed to be driven by personal conflict between Bar and Netanyahu, as well as concerns from Netanyahu about potential revelations of wrongdoing against him.
The broader context of these moves is a dispute between Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition, which aims to maintain certain privileges for religious and settler groups, and its opponents who fear a push towards authoritarianism and a reduction in democracy. Supporters argue that reining in watchdogs like the judiciary and security services actually enhances democracy, while critics warn of government overreach and a threat to Israel’s democratic principles.
The removal of Bar and other key figures in independent agencies is seen as a step towards creating a more authoritarian society. Opposition voices warn of the dismantling of crucial checks and balances that have protected Israel’s democracy since its establishment. The ongoing power struggle between Netanyahu’s government and its critics illustrates a deeper divide about the future direction of the Israeli state.
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