Netanyahu Withdraws Nomination for Shin Bet Chief Amid Growing Crisis

The Israeli Prime Minister's reversal leaves the intelligence agency's leadership unresolved as protests and investigations into his government intensify.

Benjamin Netanyahu rescinded his nomination of Eli Scharvit as Shin Bet Chief just 24 hours after announcing it, citing the need to consider other candidates.
The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked the dismissal of current Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, with a final decision expected by April 8, 2025.
Ronen Bar's dismissal has been criticized as politically motivated, as Shin Bet investigates allegations of Qatari bribes involving Netanyahu's close advisors.
Two of Netanyahu's senior advisors, Jonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein, were arrested as part of the 'Katargate' scandal, which has heightened public scrutiny of the government.
Nationwide protests continue, with demonstrators opposing Netanyahu's actions on judicial independence, governance, and his handling of the October 2023 Hamas attack.