Just a day after announcing Vice Adm. (res.) Eli Sharvit as the next head of Shin Bet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reversed his decision on Tuesday. The abrupt U-turn followed heavy criticism from both Israeli and international figures.
Netanyahu met with Sharvit Monday evening to inform him he would not be appointed, despite initially selecting him from seven candidates. The Prime Minister’s Office thanked Sharvit for his willingness to serve but stated Netanyahu would interview other candidates.
Sharvit’s nomination had raised concerns due to his past participation in anti-government protests and his support for a 2022 maritime agreement with Lebanon—opposed by Netanyahu at the time. His previous criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s climate policies also drew backlash, including from Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who called the appointment “beyond problematic.”
Netanyahu’s decision to replace current Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar stems from a loss of confidence following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. However, critics argue the move is politically motivated, pointing to an ongoing Shin Bet probe into alleged links between Netanyahu’s top aides and Qatar, which funds Hamas.
The reversal sparked sharp political reactions. Opposition leader Yair Lapid slammed Netanyahu’s indecisiveness, calling it a “violation of national security.” National Unity leader Benny Gantz accused him of prioritizing political pressure over Israel’s security. Meanwhile, Netanyahu ally Simcha Rothman defended the reversal as a democratic response to public concerns.
With no new nominee announced, the search for Israel’s next Shin Bet chief remains uncertain.
