From the Liveblog of
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Ben Gvir, Smotrich welcome decision to fire Bar: ‘Better late than never’
Sam Sokol is the Times of Israel's political correspondent. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich both welcome Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement that he intends on firing Shin Bet head Ronen Bar.
Ben Gvir says that the move should have been made long ago but it’s “better late than never,” arguing that “there is no place in a democratic country for officials who conduct themselves in a politically confrontational manner against elected officials.”
“The right must learn from President Trump to eradicate the ‘Deep State,'” Ben Gvir adds.
Calling Bar’s ouster a “necessary step,” Smotrich says that while Bar deserves the thanks of the nation, it would have been appropriate for him “to take real responsibility and resign on his own initiative more than a year ago, saving the need for his dismissal.”
Accusing Bar of arrogantly “clinging to his seat,” Smotrich says that irreconcilable differences between Bar and the political echelon make his continued tenure impossible.
The Times of Israel Community.