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The Supreme Court of Israel (BAGAT) has set the date for the main hearing on the lawsuits related to the resignation of the head of the General Security Service (Shabak), Ronen Barak. The meeting is scheduled for 8 April 2025, and the case will be considered by a specially formed panel of three judges. This was reported by Maariv.
Court composition and its importance
The HACCU selected three senior judges to consider this high-profile issue:
- Yitzhak Amit, the current president of the Supreme Court;
- Noam Solberg, the deputy president who is to head the court in the future;
- Daphne Barak-Erez, who will become the next head of the court after Solberg.
The panel was formed on the basis of seniority, which is standard practice in such cases. However, the choice of these particular judges has already sparked debate, as Amit and Barak-Erez are known for their active stances in defending legal norms, while Solberg has a reputation as a more reserved lawyer. Experts suggest that this composition may influence the final decision.
Background to the conflict
Ronen Bar’s resignation became the subject of heated debate after Benjamin Netanyahu’s government decided to dismiss him. The official reason given was a “loss of confidence” due to Shabak’s failure to prevent a Hamas attack on 7 October 2023. However, a number of NGOs, including the Movement for Quality of Government, appealed the decision to the BAA, arguing that the dismissal had political overtones and violated procedural rules.
The fact that the Shabak, under Barak’s leadership, is investigating a case of possible foreign interference related to the Prime Minister’s entourage adds to the tension. This has only increased suspicions about the government’s motives.
Legal struggle and possible consequences
The government’s legal adviser, Gali Baharav-Miara, has already expressed the position that the decision to dismiss Barak does not meet legal requirements, as there was insufficient justification. Given this, as well as the legal views of Amit and Barak-Erez, analysts predict a high probability that the dismissal will be overturned. If two of the three judges uphold the plaintiffs, it will be a serious blow to the positions of Netanyahu and his coalition.
At the same time, the government is not giving up without a fight. Communications Minister Shlomo Karai said that Barak’s resignation would take place regardless of the court’s decision, which could lead to a new round of constitutional crisis in Israel.
What to expect from 8 April?
The meeting on 8 April will be not only a legal but also a political test. It will determine whether the government will succeed in implementing its decision or whether the BAGAC will once again confirm its role as a guarantor of the rule of law. The court’s decision will have far-reaching implications for the balance of power between the branches of government in Israel and for the future of Ronen Barak as head of Shabak.
This case has already attracted attention both in Israel and abroad, as it reflects deeper problems in the state’s governance system. All eyes are on the BAGATS and how the three judges will interpret the law at this crucial moment.
