Netanyahu ministers scorn Supreme Court hearing on Shin Bet appointment
Members of Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition are unhappy that the Supreme Court is reviewing the appointment of the next head of the security agency, Shin Bet.
Supreme Court President Isaac Amit had to halt the hearing on the attorney general’s blocking of the prime minister from nominating the next chief after firing Ronen Bar, due to a conflict of interest.
The session was suspended after Likud lawmaker Tali Gotliv began shouting and interrupted the proceedings.
In a post on X, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said the exclusive authority to appoint the head of the Shin Bet lies with the government of Israel. “Not with the electric company, not with the water authority, and not with the Supreme Court. Only with the government of Israel,” he wrote.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev echoed the same message and asserted that the next head of Shin Bet will be army general David Zini, who has been tapped by Netanyahu.
According to Israeli law, the Supreme Court cannot vote to appoint the head of Shin Bet, but can launch judicial reviews to evaluate whether the government followed legal procedures and adhered to preserving the agency’s professional independence.
Netanyahu ‘trying to evade trial at expense of captives’: Father of captive
The father of Nimrod Cohen, who is being held captive in the Gaza Strip, addressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a demonstration in front of his office in West Jerusalem.
“You are trying to evade your trial at the expense of my son,” he said through a loudspeaker. “Complete the trial, release my son and all the kidnapped first.”
He pointed to comments by the chief of staff of the military, who said no more military objectives can be achieved in Gaza. The families of the remaining Israeli captives demanded a “comprehensive” agreement with Hamas that would bring back all captives and end the war.
Netanyahu says will depart for US next week to meet Trump, top officials
At the start of a government meeting, the Israeli PM says he is expected to leave next week for meetings in the US with President Trump, following what he called the “great victory” achieved during attacks on Iran.
Netanyahu said he will also meet Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
He added that trade talks will also be part of the trip, as will meetings with the heads of Congress and security meetings in Washington, DC.
