Government plans boycott of Shin Bet chief if Supreme Court intervenes

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has indicated that he may not comply with a High Court ruling reinstating Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, stating that a government cannot be forced to work with someone it does not trust. During a contentious interview, Smotrich criticized Bar for his perceived failure in security and emphasized that responsibility for Israel's security lies with the government. Concurrently, Justice Minister Yariv Levin has echoed this sentiment, urging the government to refuse cooperation with Bar if the High Court rules against his dismissal, citing the need for the government to maintain its authority. Levin dismissed concerns that such a boycott would harm national security, claiming Bar would leave quickly if faced with a lack of support. Both ministers' comments come amidst rising tensions surrounding proposed judicial reforms and the ongoing political struggle over the Shin Bet leadership. The Supreme Court is set to hear petitions challenging Bar's dismissal, amid claims of conflicts of interest involving Prime Minister Netanyahu.