Israel: Netanyahu’s Decision to Dismiss Shin Bet Chief Declared Illegal by Supreme Court

The Israeli Supreme Court ruled today (May 21, 2025) that the government’s decision in March to dismiss Ronen Bar, the head of the internal security service, Shin Bet, was “illegal and contrary to the law.” Specifically, the court announced its verdict in response to appeals against the dismissal decision made by Netanyahu’s government. The Supreme Court emphasized that the decision to terminate the term of the Shin Bet chief was made through an irregular process and was against the law, as stated in a 58-page ruling. Bar’s dismissal sparked outrage among a large portion of the Israeli public and led to massive protests. The former Shin Bet chief challenged the legality of Netanyahu’s authority to dismiss him.