The Sabra Report | Shin Bet Showdown

Recap:Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intention to fire Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, a first in Israel’s history. The decision comes as Shin Bet investigates Netanyahu’s aides over alleged unlawful payments from Qatar.

The Context:

·      Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, plays a critical role in national security, counterterrorism and monitoring Palestinian terrorist groups. It recently issued a report accepting responsibility for its failures around the October 7th attack but also said the government’s policies were to blame. The war that was triggered by Hamas' attack led to the killing of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of 251 who were taken to Gaza as hostages.

·      Critics argue that the timing of Netanyahu’s decision suggests it is politically motivated. The investigation, "Qatar-Gate," revolves around alleged payments from Qatar to Netanyahu’s advisers in exchange for influencing Israeli policy in Doha’s favor. Qatar has long been the key intermediary in hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas and has for years supplied Hamas with millions in funding.

·      Bar, who has publicly taken responsibility for Shin Bet’s intelligence failures leading up to the October 7th attack, has maintained that his priority is to complete ongoing investigations and secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages before stepping down. Bar condemned Netanyahu’s expectation of "personal loyalty," calling it an insult to the agency’s values.

·      Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara warned that Netanyahu lacks the legal authority to fire Bar without due process and has raised concerns about a conflict of interest, referencing the Qatar investigation. Netanyahu is expected to appoint a loyalist to the position, like he did after firing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and replacing him with Israel Katz.

·      Netanyahu has not taken responsibility for the October 7th attacks and has resisted calls for an official state commission of inquiry. Netanyahu may be the last — and most senior — of the country’s leaders tied to October 7th to remain in office after Gallant was fired last year and former IDF chief of staff Herzi Halevi retired this month. David Barnea remains head of the Mossad, but his agency is less directly tied to October 7th as its mandate is countering threats outside of Israel’s borders.

Conversation Points:

·      Should a Prime Minister have to work with someone in whom there is no mutual trust?

·      How will Bar’s dismissal impact ongoing hostage negotiations?

·      What are the implications for Israeli democracy if Netanyahu succeeds in replacing Bar without due process?

·      Why hasn’t Netanyahu taken responsibility for October 7th or agreed to a state commission of inquiry?

Notes:

·      Axios, "Netanyahu moves to fire intel chief who is investigating his aides," March 17, 2025.

·      Times of Israel, "AG warns Netanyahu firing Shin Bet chief may be illegal amid Qatar probe," March 17, 2025.

·      Jerusalem Post, "Who is Ronen Bar, the Shin Bet chief Netanyahu seeks to fire?" March 16, 2025.

·      Haaretz, "Shin Bet chief vows to stay until investigations are complete," March 17, 2025.

·      Reuters, "Netanyahu seeks to oust Israel’s domestic security chief amid scandal," March 16, 2025.

·      The Guardian, "Netanyahu says he will seek to dismiss head of Israel’s internal security service," March 16, 2025.

·      AP, "Netanyahu seeks to dismiss Israel’s internal security chief as power struggle boils over," March 16, 2025.

·      Jewish Insider, "Netanyahu set to be last Oct. 7-era leader left in office after Shin Bet chief dismissal," March 17, 2025.

·      Ynetnews, "The letter that led to Netanyahu's decision to fire Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar," March 18, 2025.

·      Israel National News, "Government to approve: Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar to leave post in one month," March 19, 2025.