“The country must not be left without a full-time Shin Bet head at a time of war”
The Movement for Quality Government in Israel and Israel’s Defensive Shield Forum today filed an urgent petition with the High Court of Justice to prevent the end of the term of Shin Bet head Ronen Bar on June 15, 2025 without appointing a replacement through due process.
The petition requests conditional orders and an urgent interim order against the legal advisor to the prime minister, the Shin Bet head, the prime minister and the government, ordering them to ensure that the Shin Bet head remains in position until he is replaced through due process and after a professional handover.
According to the petitioners, the State of Israel is in the longest war in its history, and the Shin Bet is playing a central role in the war effort. Leaving the position unfilled could seriously harm national security.
The petition also notes that the Shin Bet is investigating serious cases against officials in the Prime Minister’s Office (the leaking of classified documents, and Qatargate). The Shin Bet chief is personally involved in conducting the investigations, and the end of his term will have a real impact on their conduct.
In recent weeks, the petitioners have repeatedly sent letters to all relevant authorities requesting that the Shin Bet chief remain until the position is properly filled. When they did not receive a substantive response, they were forced to appeal to the High Court of Justice.
Adv. Dr. Eliad Shraga, chair of the Movement for Quality Government in Israel: “It is inconceivable that at this critical time, the position of Shin Bet head would be vacated without a permanent replacement, due to procedural irregularities and lack of compliance with binding legal guidelines. The Shin Bet chief is a crucial gatekeeper, and his duty of loyalty is to the entire Israeli public. This critical position cannot be left unfilled during a time of war.”
