The Prime Minister's Office responded this evening (Tuesday) to the interim injunction decision issued by the High Court of Justice at the end of the day's hearing on petitions against the removal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar from his position. The office's statement criticizes the decision, but the Prime Minister makes it clear that he will respect it.
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According to the High Court order, Ronen Bar will continue to serve in his position until further notice. The order also states that a replacement or acting director should not be announced.
The Prime Minister's Office responded: "The judges of the panel reiterated several times during the hearing that the government's authority to remove the head of the Shin Bet from office is indisputable. Therefore, the High Court's decision to postpone the end of the Shin Bet head's term by ten days is puzzling.".
The office emphasized: "Most of the judges' comments dealt with procedure, including the claim that the government should have allowed the outgoing Shin Bet chief a hearing before the Grunis Committee, as the attorney general claimed. But only nine months ago, when the Minister of National Security requested the transfer of the commissioner before the end of his term, the advisor did not raise the need to bring him to the Grunis Committee.".
According to the bureau, "the goal of the government advisor is to prevent Ronen Bar's dismissal in any way possible over time, under the pretext that there is an active investigation.".
The response further stated: "It is unthinkable that the Israeli government would be prevented from removing a failed Shin Bet chief from his position simply because he opened an investigation that is not related to any of the government ministers. On the contrary, such an outcome would allow any failed Shin Bet chief who wants to remain in his position to open an investigation against any person connected to the cabinet of any of the ministers, thereby preventing his dismissal.".
The bureau stated: "The Prime Minister will continue to interview candidates for the position of head of the Shin Bet.".
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responded: "As far as it depends on me, starting on the 10th of the month, Ronen Bar will be the head of the Shin Bet with the title and paycheck by virtue of the High Court's interim order. Ah, and nothing more.".
He added: "The High Court of Justice allows itself to harm the security of the state, and we have the responsibility to prevent this. I call on the Prime Minister not to summon him to discussions or to work with him, not to enter into any negotiations with the advisor to find an 'agreed compromise outline.'.
""We have a responsibility for the continued functioning of Israel's security, and the arrogance of the judges must not tie our hands in a time of war.".
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