Well-informed sources in the Israeli judiciary have reported that the government's Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara is re-examining the possibility of impeaching Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu because of the hostile stance he and his government are taking against the head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar.
The dispute between the PM and Bar had lately gone far as to urge Netanyahu to cancel a security forum scheduled two days ago after Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced his intention to boycott such meetings if the Shin Bet chief attends.
Israeli sources said Netanyahu’s decision is a “serious violation of the rules of governance.”
They accused the government of letting internal rivalries override urgent national security concerns.
The PM decision to cancel the security meeting came amid increased tensions between the political echelon and the country’s security and judicial system, particularly considering the fresh security scandal, which saw a Shin Bet official arrested on suspicion of leaking classified information to an elected official and two journalists.
It also comes after Netanyahu’s cabinet voted last month to fire Bar, a decision that the High Court of Justice froze until further notice.
Unofficial Security Consultations
On Wednesday, Kan 11 reported that from now on, Netanyahu will hold the majority of his security meetings informally, to ensure that the head of the Shin Bet does not attend.
On Wednesday, Smotrich’s office said he notified Netanyahu he would not participate in security meetings if Bar was attending, calling him a “dangerous man” who uses Shin Bet tools for “personal needs” and to “take revenge on politicians and journalists.”
Opposition’s Reaction
In return, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, who said that calling off a security cabinet meeting “because of a threat from an extremist minister is a direct violation of state security.”
He added that the “criminal government is a danger to every citizen of the State of Israel”.
Similarly, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said that it was “alarmed” that “sensitive security discussions are being canceled due to personal and political disputes.”
“What other discussions will be canceled due to the same conflicts?” the forum asked. “Will the fate of the hostages be decided based on petty politics?
“Show responsibility, sit in one room and come up with an agreement that will return everyone,” it added.
Benny Gantz, chairman of the opposition National Unity party, said that the cancellation of the meeting was “reckless” and could harm Israel’s national security.
