Israeli prime minister to appoint Shin Bet deputy as interim chief

By Abdelraouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that he will appoint the Shin Bet deputy chief as an interim leader of the security service.

In a statement, Netanyahu’s office identified the Shin Bet deputy chief as “Shin,” saying he will serve as temporary leader until a permanent appointment is made.

Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar was dismissed by Netanyahu’s government last month, but Israel’s Supreme Court froze the decision until it reviews all petitions against the dismissal on April 8.

The dismissal of the Shin Bet chief marks the first such decision by an Israeli government. Netanyahu argues that the decision lies within his authority and should not be subject to judicial review.

On Tuesday, Netanyahu backtracked on appointing former Navy chief Eli Sharvit as the next head of the Shin Bet following pressure from his ruling coalition.

Israeli media said that Netanyahu’s coalition opposed Sharvit’s appointment over his participation in mass protests in 2023 against the government's plans for judicial overhaul.

According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli premier is still holding interviews with candidates for the post as he insists on Bar's dismissal.

The statement said that the appointment of a new Shin Bet chief will not be possible before April 10, when Bar’s term ends.