Netanyahu's Circle Criticizes Shin Bet Chief Over Perceived Weakness
Prime Minister Netanyahu's associates have voiced sharp criticism of the Shin Bet chief over perceived weakness and internal agency management, while the Prime Minister's Office emphasized expectations for upholding democratic integrity.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inner circle has expressed deep disappointment and anger over the conduct of Shin Bet chief, citing concerns over perceived weakness and an inability to withstand internal pressure.
The friction stems from recent developments, including a widely circulated video showing the Shin Bet director alongside Central Election Committee Chairman, Supreme Court Justice Noam Solberg. Sources close to the prime minister described the imagery as unsettling, claiming the security chief appeared passive and submissive while Solberg addressed the integrity of election results.
According to associates of the prime minister, a significant gap exists between private remarks made by the security leadership and their public posture. Critics within the political sphere argue that decisive actions, such as restructuring the agency's legal department inherited from former chief Ronen Bar, were neglected in favor of appeasement.
In an official response, the Prime Minister's Office clarified: "The Prime Minister is not enraged with the Shin Bet chief. He expects him to fulfill his statutory duties to safeguard Israeli democracy against foreign interference."
