Attorney General Blocks PM’s Move, Citing Legal Concerns Amid Escalating Tensions​. Planned Wednesday Cabinet meeting is expected to approve firing and may well provoke a crisis with the left-wing Attorney General and High Court.

In a move that has intensified Israel’s internal political strife, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to dismiss Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet security agency. Citing “a continuing lack of confidence” in Bar, Netanyahu stated that this step is crucial “to restore the organisation, to achieve all of our war objectives, and to prevent the next tragedy.” ​

The announcement comes amid escalating tensions between Netanyahu and key legal officials. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara promptly responded, asserting that Netanyahu cannot proceed with Bar’s dismissal without a thorough legal review. She emphasized that such a process “cannot be initiated until the completion of the factual and legal investigation underlying your decision and your ability to deal with the issue at this time.”

Bar, appointed in 2021, has faced criticism following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which exposed significant intelligence failures. While the Shin Bet acknowledged its shortcomings, it also pointed to governmental policies that may have contributed to the security lapses. In a recent report, the agency noted “a long and deliberate disregard from the political leadership from the organization’s warnings.”

The timing of Netanyahu’s decision has raised eyebrows, particularly as the Shin Bet investigates allegations involving Netanyahu’s aides and their connections to Qatar. Reports suggest that some of the prime minister’s staff may have engaged in activities to bolster Qatar’s image ahead of the 2022 World Cup, leading to internal probes by the security agency. ​

Opposition figures have been quick to condemn Netanyahu’s move. Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition, labeled the decision “shameful” and politically motivated, vowing to challenge it legally. He stated, “Netanyahu fired Ronen Bar for only one reason: the ‘Qatar-gate’ investigation… Netanyahu has once again put his private interests above … .”

This development is part of a broader pattern of confrontations between Netanyahu’s administration and Israel’s legal institutions. Justice Minister Yariv Levin recently initiated proceedings to dismiss Attorney General Baharav-Miara, accusing her of “inappropriate conduct.” Levin contends that the government has lost confidence in her, citing “substantial and prolonged differences of opinion between her and the government.”

Legal experts and civil society groups have expressed alarm over these actions. The Movement for Quality Government in Israel described Netanyahu’s announcement as a “declaration of war on the rule of law,” arguing that he lacks the authority to dismiss Bar, especially given the ongoing investigations involving his office. Eliad Shraga, the group’s chair, labeled the move “unlawful” and highlighted the potential conflict of interest.

As the cabinet prepares to vote on Bar’s dismissal later this week, the nation braces for a potential constitutional crisis. The outcome of this power struggle could have profound implications for the balance between Israel’s political leadership and its legal institutions, further polarizing an already divided society.

The coming days will be pivotal in determining whether Netanyahu’s government can proceed with its controversial personnel changes or if legal checks will halt these efforts, preserving the independence of Israel’s security and judicial bodies.​