Israel PM drops security chief nominee under fire from Trump ally

Israeli PM reverses decision to appoint navy commander as security chief after criticism, including from US senator.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Tuesday (April 1, 2025) that he had reversed a decision to appoint former navy commander Vice Admiral Eli Sharvit as Security Agency Chief following criticism, including from a key U.S. senator.

Mr. Netanyahu had announced Mr. Sharvit's appointment on Monday (March 31, 2025), pushing back against a Supreme Court decision to freeze his government's move to dismiss incumbent director Ronen Bar.

It later emerged that the former Naval Chief had publicly opposed key policies of the Netanyahu Government and U.S. President Donald Trump.

"The Prime Minister thanked Vice Admiral Sharvit for his willingness to be called to duty but informed him that, after further consideration, he intends to examine other candidates," Mr. Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

The abrupt about-turn by the Prime Minister on the key security appointment drew condemnation from the opposition. "The head of the Shin Bet is not just another appointment. It's not a job that you announce and regret after 24 hours because of a few screams," said opposition leader Yair Lapid.

"This is the holiest of holies, it's a violation of state security," he said on social media.

Former Defence Minister Benny Gantz echoed Mr. Lapid's remarks. "Mr. Netanyahu proved again this morning: for him, political pressure outweighs the good of the state and its security," he said in a post.