JERUSALEM: Israel’s supreme court on Tuesday ruled that the domestic security chief was to stay in his position “until a later decision”, following an hours-long hearing on the government’s contested decision to fire him.

“A preliminary order has been issued stipulating that Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet, will continue to perform his duties until a later decision,” the court’s ruling said, adding “there is nothing to prevent interviews with candidates for the post, without announcing an appointment”.

Earlier the top court began a hearing on the hotly contested decision to sack domestic security chief Ronen Bar, with protests from government supporters and critics briefly interrupting the proceedings.

Prime Minister Benja­min Netanyahu announced last month that his government had unanimously approved a motion to dismiss the head of the Shin Bet internal security agency, citing “lack of trust” and requiring Bar to leave his post by April 10.

Shin Bet head allowed to stay in his position until a decision in the case

The hearing on Tuesday follows petitions filed by opposition parties and non-profit groups, challenging the legality of the government’s move which the Supreme Court had already frozen until a ruling was made.

Protests were held outside the Jerusalem courtroom, and inside, shouts and interruptions forced the judges to halt proceedings after only 30 minutes.

“No court in the world is run this way,” said Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit after warning government supporters and critics who interrupted the hearing, which is broadcast live. Amit called for a recess, during which scuffles between the sides continued outside the courtroom.

The hearing resumed about an hour later, with no audience, “to allow the right to argue without fear for all parties involved”, according to the judges.

Attorney Zion Amir, representing the government, said that “this is purely a political petition”.

Published in Dawn, April 9th, 2025