Netanyahu's Intelligence Shake-Up: A Move Towards Control?

In a revealing political maneuver, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to replace the head of the Shin Bet, the country’s domestic intelligence agency. This move is part of a broader initiative by Netanyahu’s right-wing government to consolidate control over various state institutions—an effort reminiscent of the controversial judicial overhaul proposals that fueled widespread protests in 2023. Recently, Netanyahu's cabinet announced a vote concerning Ronen Bar's leadership as the head of Shin Bet. This decision follows an earlier attempt to dismiss Gali Baharav-Miara, the Attorney General, and revives legislative pushes that could significantly shift control over Supreme Court appointments toward the executive branch.

This perceived assault on independent oversight bodies is viewed by many, including law professor Amichai Cohen, as a continuation of Netanyahu's efforts to reduce checks on governmental power. The previous attempts to alter judicial structures were met with intense public dissent, only temporarily halted due to national concerns following the October 2023 Hamas assault. As the cease-fire in Gaza prevails, speculation arises about whether these initiatives aim to exploit a moment of political calm to push through controversial changes.

Amid these events, Cohen warns that these actions signify a "judicial overhaul is back," indicating a persistent struggle over the independence of key state agencies. The resilience of opposition remains uncertain, yet public sentiment following recent escalations could influence how these proposed changes are received in the future.