Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Shin-Bet (Shabak) Director Ronen Bar will be removed from office, despite a freezing decision from the High Court. The Israeli government approved the removal of the domestic intelligence chief at Netanyahu’s request, but the High Court halted this decision.

In a video message, Netanyahu stated that Shin-Bet Director Bar cannot remain in office. Netanyahu, who claimed that Israel will remain a “democratic state,” said, “Ronen Bar will not stay at the helm of Shin-Bet, there will be no civil war.” The High Court had frozen the decision.

Netanyahu had informed Shin-Bet Director Ronen Bar that the government would dismiss him this week. Netanyahu expressed his lack of trust in Bar, justifying the dismissal with ongoing and escalating distrust over time, while Bar accused Netanyahu of acting “personally.” Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara had stated that the Prime Minister could not dismiss Shin-Bet Director Bar arbitrarily.

The Israeli government had approved Bar’s dismissal, announcing that he would continue in office until April 10th or until a replacement is appointed. The Israeli High Court had frozen Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss Bar until a hearing on April 8th to consider the objections. Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss Bar had sparked heated debates in Israeli politics, leading to mass protest demonstrations across Israel following calls from the opposition.