Overview

• The Israeli Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on the legality of Prime Minister Netanyahu's decision to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, following a temporary injunction blocking the move.
• Netanyahu claims Bar was dismissed due to security failures, including Shin Bet's inability to prevent the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, Israel's deadliest single day.
• Critics argue the dismissal was politically motivated, linked to an investigation into alleged ties between Netanyahu's aides and Qatar, known as the Qatargate scandal.
• Ronen Bar has stated his removal was not based on professional grounds and reflects a prioritization of political loyalty to Netanyahu over institutional integrity.
• The controversy has intensified anti-government protests, with demonstrators accusing Netanyahu of undermining Israel's state institutions and democratic principles.