The public battle between Israel’s government and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) has intensified, with officials warning it could jeopardize national security, especially during wartime. Knesset Member Simcha Rothman claims this is part of a broader leftist effort to destabilize and overthrow the elected government.
Rothman, chair of the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, said unelected officials, judges, and activists are working with foreign influence to sideline Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and dismantle the right-wing coalition. He accused the judiciary and security establishment of acting as an “independent power” unaccountable to the public.
Author and podcaster Gadi Taub echoed these concerns, arguing that the Supreme Court, backed by former security chiefs like Efraim Halevy and Tamir Pardo, aims to strip Netanyahu of his duties using Shin Bet assessments. According to Taub, the agency has become “a branch of the Kaplan demonstrations with a secret service under it.”
The government’s attempt to split the attorney general’s dual role—currently both chief legal adviser and head of prosecution—is seen by Rothman as critical to restoring balance. Critics argue the move would erode judicial independence, but Rothman claims it would prevent tyranny by ensuring the AG no longer holds unchecked power.