Will a Kaplan Protester be running the Shin Bet?! Here's everything we know about Eli Sharvit

Eli Sharvit is a prominent Israeli military figure who has recently been appointed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the next head of the Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security agency. Here's everything you need to know about him.

Early Life and Background

Eli Sharvit was born in 1966, in Sde Boker, a kibbutz in southern Israel, and grew up in Beersheba. He is the youngest of three siblings born to Yosef and Esther Sharvit, Moroccan Jewish immigrants to Israel. He attended Makif Alef school in Beersheba. Sharvit is married to Eti and has three children.

Military Career

Sharvit’s military career spans 36 years within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), primarily in the Israeli Navy, where he rose through the ranks to become a highly respected commander:

1985: Enlisted in the IDF and joined the Navy, completing the naval officers’ course. He began his career as a combat officer on missile boats.

Early Roles: Served in various combat positions, including commanding the "Independence" and "INS Aliya" vessels, and later the elite Flotilla 13 naval commando unit. He also completed the division commanders’ course.

2006: During the Second Lebanon War, he led a missile boat squadron as deputy commander of the Navy’s missile boat fleet.

2007-2009: Served in the IDF’s Directorate of Operations, his only role outside the Navy during his military tenure.

2009-2011: Commanded the Navy’s missile boat fleet.

2011-2014: Appointed commander of the Haifa naval base, succeeding Ram Rothberg.

2014-2016: Served as Chief of Staff of the Israeli Navy.

2016-2021: Promoted to Vice Admiral (Aluf) and appointed Commander of the Israeli Navy on September 12, 2016, following approval by Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman and nomination by IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. He replaced Ram Rothberg and served until 2021. During his tenure, he oversaw the development of maritime defense capabilities for Israel’s economic waters and led complex operational campaigns against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Notably, he managed naval operations during the May 2021 conflict with Hamas.

Sharvit’s leadership in the Navy was marked by a focus on strategic and offensive operations, earning him praise for professionalism and meticulousness from peers like Maj. Gen. (res.) Tamir Hayman.

Post-Military Career

After retiring from the IDF in 2021, Sharvit transitioned to the private sector:

He took on executive roles, including serving as CEO of Renewable Energy at Tadiran Holding Ltd.,reflecting his interest in broader societal issues like energy and climate.

In a 2020 interview with Channel 13, while still Navy commander, he addressed the "submarine affair" (Case 3000), defending Netanyahu and stating there was no "cloud or stain" over the Navy’s actions. He was neither investigated nor called to testify in this corruption case involving submarine procurement.

In December 2024, he was selected by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir to join a committee of retired officers tasked with reviewing military investigations into the events of October 7, 2023.

Political and Public Involvement

Judicial Reform Protests: In March 2023, Sharvit participated in a protest on Tel Aviv’s Kaplan Street against the Israeli government’s judicial reform initiatives, alongside other former military officials. He expressed concern about the legislation but did not call for refusal of duty, unlike some reservists. This involvement has been noted as unusual for a figure later appointed by Netanyahu, who championed the reforms.

Political Leanings: Reports suggest Sharvit has no known affiliation with any political organization and is not seen as ideologically aligned with any specific faction, including Netanyahu’s Likud party.

Appointment as Shin Bet Chief

Today (Monday), Netanyahu announced Sharvit’s appointment as the next director of the Shin Bet, following the controversial dismissal of incumbent Ronen Bar. This decision came after Netanyahu interviewed seven candidates and amidst a High Court injunction freezing Bar’s ouster until at least April 8, 2025.

Key points about this appointment:

Experience Gap: Sharvit lacks a background in intelligence, Arabic language skills, or expertise in Palestinian affairs—areas typically central to Shin Bet leadership. As a result of this, some sources are questioning his fit for the role.

Netanyahu’s Rationale: The Prime Minister’s Office highlighted Sharvit’s 36-year IDF service and his leadership in naval operations against regional threats as qualifications. Netanyahu expressed confidence that Sharvit would uphold the Shin Bet’s “glorious tradition” post-October 7, 2023.

Public and Internal Reaction: Politicians like MK Gadi Eisenkot praised Sharvit’s professionalism and ethical backbone, while others, like MK Avigdor Liberman, criticized his lack of intelligence experience. Within the Shin Bet, his outsider status has caused unease, with some calling it an “upheaval.”

Controversies and Challenges

Qatargate: Sharvit’s first major test as Shin Bet chief will likely involve overseeing an ongoing probe into alleged ties between Netanyahu’s aides and Qatar, which backs Hamas: a case that contributed to Bar’s dismissal.

October 7 Context: His appointment follows the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which exposed security failures under Bar’s tenure. Critics argue Netanyahu is promoting figures like Sharvit, who supported the 2022 Lebanon gas deal, instead of holding them accountable.

Outsider Status: His lack of Shin Bet or ground forces experience contrasts with recent tradition, where deputy chiefs typically ascended to the top role, leading to debates about his suitability.

Personal Traits and Reputation

Sharvit is described by peers as a meticulous, professional leader with strategic thinking and an offensive operational mindset. He is seen as independent, with a strong ethical compass, though some question his ability to navigate the Shin Bet’s intelligence-centric culture due to his naval background.

Eli Sharvit's appointment reflects Netanyahu’s preference for a trusted outsider, but it also raises questions about his readiness for the Shin Bet’s unique challenges as of March 31, 2025.