Netanyahu Withdraws Shin Bet Nominee After U.S. Pressure

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reversed Eli Sharvit's appointment as Shin Bet chief following criticism from U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, leaving the agency's leadership unresolved.

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.