Political Turmoil As Israeli Leaders Accuse Security Agency Of Coup

On March 11, 2025, Deputy Minister and Noam MK Avi Maoz publicly accused the Shin Bet, Israel's internal security agency, of planning to undermine the government during a broadcast on Kol Barama. This incendiary claim arrived just days before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intention to fire Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar on March 16, 2025.

Maoz, who has been calling for Bar's dismissal for the past year, expressed his belief on air, stating, "the Shin Bet is working toward a coup in the State of Israel," reflecting his deep-seated concerns about the agency's role. He referenced announcements made by the Shin Bet following the 2022 elections, indicating they were strategizing on how to act should the Knesset act against the judicial system. "The body responsible for preserving democracy is the Shin Bet. Protection from whom? From those who want to destroy democracy?" Maoz argued. His comments have sparked considerable controversy, with significant ramifications for the current government.

Following Netanyahu's announcement about Bar, Maoz tweeted, "This is what democracy looks like. This is how you defeat the Deep State," emphasizing his staunch position. The notion of the so-called "Deep State" has become increasingly prevalent as Netanyahu has consistently decried various state institutions as conspiratorial entities aiming to endanger his administration. His rhetoric has intensified since the deadly October 7 attacks where he blamed attempts to investigate his government as part of this conspiracy.

Netanyahu's aspiration to dismiss Bar came amid heightened scrutiny after the Shin Bet initiated investigations relating to the "Qatargate" scandal, which involves allegations of associates being paid by Qatar during mediation negotiations.

The Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara quickly responded to the Prime Minister, asserting potential conflicts of interest as reason to withhold Bar's dismissal until investigations are complete. Her letter insisted any decision surrounding Bar’s position must be devoid of political bias.

Simultaneously, as the internal political strife unfolded, significant developments were occurring overseas. On the same day, Gadi Eisenkot, former chief of staff and current MK with the National Unity party, led opposition members of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee to call for urgent discussions with Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz.

The letter from Eisenkot's committee cited alarming reports about the military capabilities of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). "The military power of Hamas and the PIJ has been restored, with Hamas now fielding over 25,000 armed personnel and the PIJ accounting for over 5,000," they noted. This resurgence has raised significant concerns about Israel's current military strategy and effectiveness.

Data from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) indicates about 20,000 terrorists have been neutralized since Hamas's October 2023 assault. Yet, reports of recruitment efforts by Hamas suggest as many as 15,000 new members have joined their ranks, according to U.S. intelligence.

Despite the government’s previous engagements, including decisions made by the war cabinet last May and resolutions set earlier this year, opposition members argue Netanyahu has failed to adhere to the established strategies of achieving war objectives—namely securing the return of hostages and fundamentally dismantling Hamas’s military structure.

Compounding these challenges, discussions surrounding the hostage situation continue to play out. Recent ceasefire negotiations held in Doha have signaled potential movements toward extending agreements where Hamas might release living and deceased captives. Currently, 59 hostages remain, with about 24 believed to still be alive.

Families of the hostages fear prolonged wait times could leave their loved ones stranded for indeterminate long periods, amplifying emotional and psychological anguish faced by those directly affected.

The opposition’s letter also condemned Netanyahu's administration for reportedly circumventing the High Court of Justice’s June 2024 ruling on the conscription of Haredi men. With the Supreme Court deeming previous government decisions illegal, there is mounting pressure for the administration to expedite legislation ensuring adequate military service among eligible Haredi recruits.

Opposition leaders express these failures endanger both national security and the political integrity of the State of Israel. Citing these issues, they compellingly argue for the urgent summoning of Netanyahu and Katz to convene discussions within the committee, emphasizing the increasingly precarious circumstances surrounding both internal and external threats.

These combined political dynamics suggest turbulent times lying ahead for Israel's government, which faces not only threats from external armed groups but also significant challenges from within its own ranks.

The urgency of both the political narrative between the government and its agencies, alongside the mounting concerns from opposition figures on the war efforts and hostage talks, indicates the complex and precarious state of affairs currently engulfing Israel.