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Netanyahu Withdraws Spy Chief Nomination Following U.S. Criticism

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reversed his nomination of Eli Sharvit as Shin Bet chief after backlash from U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and concerns about Sharvit's past views.

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Mourners walk by the bodies of the Abu Sultan family, killed when an Israeli army strike hit their tent before their burial at the hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, March 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Overview

  • Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the withdrawal of Eli Sharvit's nomination as Shin Bet chief less than 24 hours after selecting him for the role.
  • The reversal followed criticism from U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who cited Sharvit's past criticism of former President Trump and his policies as problematic.
  • Sharvit's nomination also faced domestic opposition due to his participation in 2023 protests against Netanyahu's judicial reform plans and his support for a 2022 Lebanon water agreement opposed by Netanyahu.
  • The Supreme Court's freeze on the dismissal of current Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar remains in effect, with a hearing scheduled for April 8.
  • The controversy is compounded by arrests of two Netanyahu aides in the 'Qatargate' investigation, fueling public protests and raising concerns about democratic integrity in Israel.