Netanyahu reverses appointment of Eli Sharvit as Shin Bet chief amid backlash - All the details

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reversed his decision to appoint Vice Admiral (Res.) Eli Sharvit as the head of the Israel Security Agency (ISA), or Shin Bet, just a day after the announcement. This move comes in the wake of significant political and public criticism, including opposition from within Netanyahu’s own coalition and from key international figures.

On Monday, Netanyahu named Sharvit, a former Israeli Navy commander with 36 years of military experience, to succeed Ronen Bar as the director of Shin Bet. Bar, who had led the agency since 2018, faced criticism for his handling of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Netanyahu defended his decision, citing a lack of confidence in Bar’s leadership, but the Israeli Supreme Court intervened by issuing a temporary injunction, blocking Bar’s dismissal until April 8, complicating the situation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that "after further thought," he had decided to retract his appointment of Vice Admiral (Res.) Eli Sharvit as the director of the Israel Security Agency (ISA-Shin Bet).

"The Prime Minister met for a second time last night with VADM Sharvit regarding his appointment as the director of the ISA," stated the Prime Minister’s Office.

The office also added: "The Prime Minister thanked VADM Sharvit for his willingness to be called upon but informed him that after further consideration, he plans to explore other candidates."

The announcement sparked immediate controversy over Sharvit’s qualifications. Critics pointed to his involvement in protests against judicial reforms in 2023 and his public stance on U.S. President Donald Trump’s environmental policies. Among the most vocal critics was U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong ally of Netanyahu and Trump, who called Sharvit’s appointment "beyond problematic," suggesting it could strain U.S. Israel relations.

The reversal triggered a strong response from political leaders across Israel. Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Netanyahu of undermining state security, while Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity Party, argued that Netanyahu was prioritizing political considerations over the national interest. Meanwhile, Avigdor Liberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu, mocked the timing of the announcement, made on April Fool's Day, calling it an ill-timed joke in the context of national security.

Protests against Bar’s potential dismissal also grew in size, with demonstrators accusing Netanyahu of undermining Israel’s democratic institutions in an effort to consolidate power. These protests reflect a broader dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s leadership and his approach to sensitive security issues.

In response to the reversal, Sharvit expressed disappointment but reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security. "I was asked by the Prime Minister to take on this role, and that’s what I did," he said in a statement. "Serving the nation’s interests will always come first."

This episode marks a rare attempt by an Israeli government to remove a Shin Bet director mid-term, highlighting the tensions between Netanyahu’s administration and Israel’s judiciary, especially in light of ongoing debates over judicial reforms. The reversal also underscores divisions within Netanyahu’s own coalition and hints at potential diplomatic fallout with critical allies, particularly the U.S.

As Netanyahu looks for a new candidate to lead Shin Bet, the incident raises questions about the government’s decision-making process and its impact on the country’s security leadership, especially in a time of heightened regional instability. The broader implications of this backtrack will likely remain a key topic of discussion in Israeli politics in the months to come.