Overview

• Netanyahu retracted Eli Sharvit's nomination as Shin Bet chief less than 24 hours after announcing it, citing the need to consider other candidates.
• The reversal followed sharp criticism from U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who opposed Sharvit due to past remarks about Donald Trump and his policies.
• The Israeli Supreme Court's freeze on the dismissal of current Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar remains in effect, with a review scheduled for April 8, 2025.
• Domestic protests and opposition leaders criticized Netanyahu's handling of the Shin Bet leadership, accusing him of compromising national security for political considerations.
• The controversy unfolds alongside corruption investigations involving Netanyahu's advisors and growing public dissent over his administration's judicial reforms and governance.