A major internal conflict has erupted in Israel over the dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing war crime charges, dismissed the intelligence chief through a cabinet decision on Thursday. However, Israel’s High Court has temporarily suspended the order until April 8. Despite this, Netanyahu is reportedly trying to enforce the dismissal by force.
In response, Armon Bar-David, head of Israel’s labor union Histadrut, has warned that if the government disregards the court order, he will not remain passive. He hinted at a nationwide strike, stating, “I expect the Israeli government to follow every court directive, just as it expects its citizens to do. The government is not above the law.”
Former Supreme Court President Aharon Barak also warned that Netanyahu’s actions could lead to civil war. Following this, Netanyahu posted a video on Friday, asserting that “there will be no civil war” and that the Israeli government has the authority to decide who leads Shin Bet.
Meanwhile, mass protests have erupted across Israel, with citizens accusing Netanyahu of turning into an authoritarian leader by dismissing those who oppose him.