Israeli far-right back Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss Shin Bet chief

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has praised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, calling it “a necessary and desirable step.”

Smotrich criticised Bar for not resigning following the 7 October security failures, stating, “After such a fundamental failure, responsibility requires that he vacate the position long ago. His clinging to power is impudence and arrogance – the most anti-democratic behaviour possible.”

Far-right former National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir also supported the move, saying, “This is something I have been demanding for a long time – better late than never. There is no place in a democratic country for officials who act politically against elected leaders.”

On social media, Ben Gvir urged the right-wing to “learn from President Trump to eradicate the Deep State.”