Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reversed his decision to appoint Vice Admiral Eli Sharvit as head of the Shin Bet security agency, following criticism from a key US senator and opposition leaders. The appointment was announced on Monday, despite Sharvit’s past criticism of President Donald Trump’s policies.
Netanyahu had initially pushed back against a supreme court decision to freeze his government’s move to dismiss incumbent director Ronen Bar. However, after the announcement of Sharvit’s nomination, reports emerged that he had publicly opposed key Netanyahu government policies and had expressed support for a 2022 agreement on the maritime border with Lebanon that was opposed by Netanyahu.
US Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch Trump ally, criticized the appointment, stating that it was “beyond problematic” and would create unnecessary stress at a critical time. Israeli opposition leaders have warned that if the top court overturns Bar’s dismissal, the country could face a constitutional crisis.
Netanyahu’s office stated that he had reversed his decision after further consideration, thanking Sharvit for his willingness to serve but informing him that he would examine other candidates. The move has drawn condemnation from the opposition, with Yair Lapid calling it a “violation of state security.” Former defence minister Benny Gantz echoed this sentiment, stating that Netanyahu’s decision was driven by political pressure rather than the good of the state.
The appointment process for Bar remains uncertain, with the supreme court set to make a decision on April 8. The move to dismiss him has sparked daily mass protests in Jerusalem, and opposition leaders have called for caution until the court’s ruling is known.
Source: https://www.barrons.com/news/israel-pm-drops-security-chief-nominee-under-fire-from-trump-ally-a7c0afe4