Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed former navy commander Eli Sharvit as the next head of the domestic security agency, Shin Bet, his office announced on Monday, March 31, 2025. This appointment comes despite the Supreme Court halting the dismissal of the current chief, Ronen Bar, who remains in his position under a temporary injunction.
Netanyahu's decision to appoint Sharvit follows a cabinet vote earlier this month to formally dismiss Bar, amid a backdrop of political turmoil and security challenges. Bar's dismissal, however, has faced legal challenges, with the Supreme Court freezing the government's decision and scheduling a hearing for April 8, 2025.
In a statement, Netanyahu's office highlighted Sharvit's extensive military experience, noting that he served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for 36 years, including five years as the Navy commander from 2016 to 2021. "After conducting in-depth interviews with seven worthy candidates, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to appoint former Israel navy commander, Vice-Admiral Eli Sharvit as the next director of the ISA (Shin Bet)," the statement read.
Sharvit, 57, hails from Sde Boker in southern Israel. He began his Navy service in 1985, rising through the ranks to command several missile boats and hold key leadership positions. Notably, during the Second Lebanon War in 2006, he led a missile boat squadron while serving as deputy commander of the Navy’s missile boat fleet. His leadership extended to overseeing naval operations against threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.
Despite his impressive military credentials, Sharvit's appointment has raised eyebrows. Critics argue that appointing someone with no background in Arabic language or Palestinian affairs could be problematic for a position that demands nuanced understanding of the region's complex dynamics. However, this is not unprecedented for a Shin Bet leadership role.
Netanyahu's decision to appoint Sharvit comes in the wake of a crisis of confidence in Bar's leadership, particularly following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and left 251 others taken hostage. Netanyahu expressed his lack of faith in Bar, citing lapses in security that allowed the attacks to occur. "The Shin Bet is an organization with much credit to its name, which underwent a severe trauma on October 7," Netanyahu stated, emphasizing the need for strong leadership moving forward.
However, Bar has vowed to remain in his position until all hostages are returned from Gaza and has called for a state commission of inquiry into the Hamas onslaught, a move that the government opposes. His relationship with Netanyahu's administration has been strained, particularly due to investigations into alleged ties between Netanyahu’s aides and Qatar, which supports Hamas.
Legal experts have noted that Bar's dismissal could face significant challenges, given the ongoing investigations and the Supreme Court's recent ruling. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has warned that the ousting of Bar may encounter legal difficulties, especially with the Shin Bet probe into the alleged connections between Netanyahu's inner circle and foreign entities.
As Netanyahu pushes forward with Sharvit's appointment, he faces mounting criticism from opposition leaders who question the motivations behind Bar's dismissal. They argue that the move undermines Israel's independent state institutions and comes at a precarious time for national security. Opposition figures have stated that while Sharvit is an excellent commander, he must prove his loyalty to the law and the state rather than to Netanyahu.
This situation has heightened concerns among Netanyahu's critics that he is attempting to consolidate power and diminish the influence of state watchdogs. In recent weeks, the governing coalition has passed legislation granting politicians greater control over the selection of Supreme Court justices, further intensifying fears of an erosion of judicial independence.
The ongoing saga surrounding the Shin Bet leadership reflects broader tensions within Israeli society, as citizens grapple with the implications of political decisions on national security and governance. As the April 8 hearing approaches, the future of both Bar and Sharvit remains uncertain, and the stakes are high for Israel's security apparatus.
In a country grappling with complex security threats, the appointment of a new Shin Bet chief carries significant weight. As Eli Sharvit prepares to step into this critical role, all eyes will be on how he navigates the challenges ahead, particularly in the wake of the October 7 attacks and the ongoing investigations into government conduct.
