Netanyahu Dismisses Shin Bet Chief Amidst Qatar Investigation, Sparks Political Turmoil

Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet internal security agency, amidst an investigation into financial dealings with Qatar, a move challenged in the Supreme Court. This marks the first time a Shin Bet chief has been dismissed in Israel's history. Opposition parties appealed to halt the dismissal, citing conflicts of interest. Netanyahu justified the decision citing a lack of confidence in Bar's performance. Bar was investigating Netanyahu over alleged financial improprieties related to Qatar, dubbed "Qatargate," involving payments to promote a favorable image of Qatar during the 2022 World Cup. Amidst public protests, Netanyahu's government will vote on a motion of no confidence against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, accused of political bias. Justice Minister Yariv Levin circulated a document accusing Baharav-Miara of being a "tyrannical political authority." Baharav-Miara had previously rejected Netanyahu's authority to dismiss Bar and had ordered the investigation into the "Qatargate" affair.