Israel’s Supreme Court has suspended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to fire Ronen Bar, director of the Shin Bet security agency. The move comes after several opposition parties lodged an urgent appeal stating that the action was politically motivated and may jeopardize national security.
The prime minister’s office recently announced plans to relieve Bar of his duties, sparking widespread backlash from lawmakers and security experts who fear instability amid rising regional tensions. Bar, a key figure in Israeli intelligence operations, has reportedly clashed with Netanyahu on several critical issues, including internal security and policies concerning Gaza.
The court action highlights increasing tension between Netanyahu’s administration and Israel’s judiciary, which has dominated contentious debates around judicial reforms. The decision will be a stopgap until there is a hearing in the next few weeks.
While the prime minister’s office is yet to comment on the court’s verdict, opposition leaders celebrated the ruling as a “victory for democracy and security”. The controversy is yet another twist in the existing tussle of power between Israel’s executive arm and judiciary.
