Israeli Supreme Court Deliberates Netanyahu’s Contested Dismissal of Shin Bet Chief

Protests and courtroom disruptions highlight tensions over the legality and motivations behind the removal of Ronen Bar, with a decision expected later this week.

Prime Minister Netanyahu's government voted unanimously to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, citing a loss of trust after security failures during the October 2023 Hamas attack.
Critics argue the dismissal is politically motivated, aiming to obstruct investigations into alleged ties between Netanyahu aides and Qatar, dubbed 'Qatargate.'
Israel's Supreme Court is hearing petitions challenging the dismissal, with proceedings disrupted by protests inside and outside the courtroom.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has warned that Bar's removal risks politicizing the Shin Bet and stems from a conflict of interest involving Netanyahu.
Ronen Bar has pushed back against his dismissal, calling it unsubstantiated and politically driven, while the court's ruling is anticipated later this week.