Overview

• The Israeli Supreme Court is reviewing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, with a ruling expected later this week.
• Netanyahu cited a loss of confidence in Bar following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, but critics argue the dismissal is politically motivated, tied to the Qatargate investigation involving Netanyahu's aides and Qatar.
• Protests erupted inside and outside the courtroom, with demonstrators accusing the government of undermining democratic institutions and judicial independence.
• Bar has claimed his dismissal is rooted in personal political interests, alleging attempts to obstruct investigations into security failures and corruption cases.
• Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara warned that firing Bar could politicize the Shin Bet and further erode institutional checks on executive power.