Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday his intention to initiate the dismissal of Ronen Bar, the director of the Shin Bet, Israel's domestic intelligence agency. This decision has elicited fears among critics who believe it may compromise the agency's independence at a time of heightened tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict. The move is seen as part of an ongoing rift between Netanyahu and key figures within Israel's security apparatus, historically divided over their approach to recent military operations in Gaza.

Netanyahu's decision to pursue Bar’s dismissal comes on the heels of Shin Bet investigations into accusations linked to several aides of the Prime Minister, including claims of leaking sensitive documents to international media. In response, the Prime Minister’s office announced that a draft resolution regarding Bar’s ouster would be presented to the Israeli cabinet in the upcoming week.

However, legal obstacles might thwart Netanyahu’s plan, as Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara indicated that the Prime Minister must first seek a legal opinion to determine the permissibility of terminating Bar, due to potential conflicts of interest stemming from current investigations involving Netanyahu's close aides. Members of Netanyahu's coalition have demanded Bar's dismissal, accusing him of undermining the Prime Minister, and have even called for the firing of Attorney General Baharav-Miara, whose relationship with Netanyahu has historically been fraught.