Ronen Bahr/Photo: Open source
Israeli government legal adviser Gali Baharav-Miara sent an official letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explaining the legal restrictions following the Supreme Court’s decision to freeze the dismissal of the head of the General Security Service (Shabak), Ronen Barak.
In her letter, Baharav-Miara noted that “according to the Supreme Court’s decision, in connection with the suspension of the dismissal of the head of Shabak, it is forbidden to take any action to promote a new candidate for this position, including conducting interviews and appointing an acting head.” She also stressed that a legal review is currently underway to determine whether the Prime Minister himself can participate in this process. The reason for this is a potential conflict of interest in connection with the ongoing investigations into his inner circle.
As reported by Detaly, the Supreme Court (BAGAC) partially granted the petition against Ronen Bara’s dismissal and ordered a temporary suspension of any action to remove him until the case is heard on the merits.
Judge Gila Knafi-Steinitz emphasised that the decision is preliminary and does not constitute the court’s position on the merits of the case. The purpose of this decision is to prevent irreversible changes that could affect the stability of the country’s security structure. The first court hearing on the petition is scheduled for 8 April.
The attempted release of Ronen Barr caused a wide response in Israeli political and security circles, and the opposition accused the government of attempting to politicise the intelligence services.
The situation around Shabak remains sensitive, and the Prime Minister’s further actions are now under close legal and public scrutiny.
