Gantz says appointing temporary Shin Bet head during war indicates ‘lack of judgment’

By Sam Sokol 2 April 2025, 1:52 pm

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Sam Sokol is a former political correspondent at The Times of Israel. 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"

National Unity party head MK Benny Gantz leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, March 24, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

National Unity chairman Benny Gantz slams Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his announcement that the deputy head of the security agency will serve as its acting head instead of the incumbent, Ronen Bar, until a permanent chief is appointed.

“The very notion of appointing an acting head of the Shin Bet and changing the person in the position without an orderly transition during a time of war indicates a lack of judgment on the part of the prime minister and a preference for personal interests over national security,” Gantz posts on X.

“In a nation of laws, one awaits the High Court’s decision and acts accordingly — and does not seek shortcuts at the expense of the security of Israeli citizens,” he writes.

The PMO has insisted the Bar, who was formally fired by the cabinet earlier this month, must vacate the position by April 10. The High Court of Justice has issued a temporary injunction on his dismissal as it prepares to hear petitions against the firing.