The opposition parties in Israel on Monday described Prime Minister Netanyahu as a "threat to national security

The opposition parties in Israel on Monday described Prime Minister Netanyahu as a "threat to national security." This comment came after a letter submitted by Ronen Bar, the head of Shin Bet (Israel's domestic intelligence agency), to the Supreme Court regarding his dismissal.

Israeli media reported that opposition leaders Yair Lapid (leader of Yesh Atid Party), Benny Gantz (leader of the National Unity Party), Avigdor Lieberman (leader of Yisrael Beiteinu), and Yair Golan (leader of the Democratic Party) made the comments during a joint meeting, labeling Netanyahu's behavior as a threat to the security and future of the state.

In a video message, Lapid said, "Bar's letter proves that Netanyahu is dangerous to Israel's security, and he can no longer remain as prime minister." He accused Netanyahu of trying to use Shin Bet to spy on Israeli citizens and attempting to destroy democracy. He also warned that the appointment of a new Shin Bet chief under Netanyahu would create a "real threat."

Former military chief Golan said, "Netanyahu is directly threatening Israel's security and the rule of law. He must resign now." In a post on 'X,' he wrote, "Bar's affidavit is no longer just a warning—it's a vital signal and a serious indictment for Israeli democracy."

Golan further stated, "Netanyahu has sought personal loyalty from the Shin Bet chief, not loyalty to the state. He wanted to use the secret service against citizens, political opponents, and protesters." He called Netanyahu "a prime minister deeply embroiled in security and political failures, as well as legal complexities," and described his government as "chaotic," which in effect amounts to a kind of coup.

On Monday morning, Shin Bet chief Bar submitted an eight-page letter to the Supreme Court, in which he raised serious allegations against Netanyahu. He stated that the prime minister had instructed him that if a constitutional crisis arose, he should follow Netanyahu's instructions, not the Supreme Court. Bar also claimed that Netanyahu had requested the use of Shin Bet against protesters, which Bar referred to as "illegal."

Bar further revealed that Netanyahu had exerted "abnormal pressure" on him to create a professional opinion that would allow him to avoid appearing in court in his corruption case.

The Prime Minister's office dismissed Bar's letter as "full of lies" and claimed that Bar had been "completely failed" during the Hamas attacks on October 7.

Earlier, Israel's Supreme Court had issued a temporary injunction preventing the government from implementing Bar's dismissal, approving an alternative appointment, or issuing instructions to his subordinates. On March 20, the Israeli government approved Bar's dismissal, which was set to take effect from April 10. However, on March 21, the Supreme Court suspended the government's decision.

Netanyahu cited a "lack of trust" as the reason for Bar's dismissal, while Bar hinted that it was politically motivated, as he had not complied with Netanyahu's demand for "personal loyalty."

In November 2024, the ICC (International Criminal Court) issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the conflict in Gaza.