Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed Major-General (res) Eli Sharvit as the new head of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), the Prime Minister’s Office announced on Monday morning.
Sharvit served 36 years in the Israeli Navy, including as chief of staff from 2014-2016 and commander from 2016 until 2021.
According to Israeli media, Netanyahu interviewed seven candidates as potential replacements for Ronen Bar.
“The Prime Minister is convinced that Sharvit is the right person for the position,” the PMO added.
The news means that Netanyahu disregarded a High Court ruling which stated that the appointment be frozen until a hearing is held on the matter of Ronen Bar’s dismissal.
Protests across country
The firing of Ronen Bar has sparked mass protests across the country, with many considering the move a direct threat to democracy.
It was also announced last week that Sharvit will be part of IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir’s external team that will be reviewing and implementing lessons from the October 7 attack.
