Photo: GIL COHEN-MAGEN/POOL/EPA
On the morning of 8 April, the Israeli Supreme Court began hearing eight petitions against the government’s decision to retain Ronen Barak as head of the Shabak, Israel’s General Security Service, Davar reports.
The court, chaired by Yitzhak Amit and including judges Noam Sulberg and Daphne Barak-Erez, immediately moved the case to the stage of a final decision – without interim rulings. This may mean that a decision on Barak’s future will be made today.
Emotions in the hall: the father of the deceased is against Bar
The most tense moment of the hearing came when Itzik Bunzel, the father of the deceased IDF soldier, took the floor. He emotionally accused Ronen Bar of responsibility for the 7 October tragedy:
“He admitted his guilt. Such a person has no right to remain in office!” exclaimed Bunzel, causing a wave of cheers from the audience.
Political tensions: Gottlieb’s speech and the court’s intervention
Knesset member Tali Gottlieb also sharply criticised the actions of the court and its judges, for which she received a warning from the court’s chairman:
“This is not a parliament, different rules apply here,” Amit said.
After an outburst of emotion, the court ruled to continue the hearing without the public present, allowing only journalists to remain.
Petitions against the Bar
Among the initiators of the submissions are the Movement for Good Governance, Yesh Atid, and Commanders for Israeli Security.
The government’s representative, lawyer Tzion Amir, in turn, insisted that the position of the head of Shabak has a special status and requires an exceptional approach.
Against the backdrop of the tragic events of 7 October, the question of the responsibility of the security forces has once again arisen with renewed vigour.
It will be known in the near future whether Ronen Bar will remain in office.
