Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed Major-General (res.) Eli Sharvit as the new head of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), the Prime Minister's Office announced on Monday morning.
Netanyahu interviewed seven candidates as potential replacements for Ronen Bar before ultimately choosing Sharvit.
Sharvit served 36 years in the Israeli Navy, including as chief of staff from 2014-2016 and commander from 2016 until 2021. As commander, Sharvit led the development of maritime defense capabilities for Israel’s economic waters and directed complex operational campaigns against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, the PMO said.
It was also announced last week that Sharvit will be part of IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir's external team that will be reviewing and implementing lessons from the October 7 attack.
"The Prime Minister is convinced that Maj. Gen. Sharvit is the right person to lead the Shin Bet forward and uphold the organization’s proud legacy," the PMO added.
The news means that Netanyahu disregarded a High Court ruling that stated that the appointment be frozen until a hearing is held on the matter of Ronen Bar's dismissal.
Protests across country
The firing of Ronen Bar has sparked mass protests across the country, with many considering the move a direct threat to democracy.
High Court Justice Gila Kanfi-Steinitz wrote last week that she “did not see the need” to expand a temporary injunction freezing the firing of current head Ronen Bar such that it included a prohibition to interview new candidates. This effectively rejected the position of Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, according to which the prime minister could not take any action that could affect Bar’s status, including interviews of new candidates.
Therefore, Netanyahu must wait for a ruling from the High Court of Justice on petitions challenging Bar's dismissal before appointing Sharvit.
Eliav Breuer contributed to this report.
