Netanyahu upends tradition by selecting former navy chief for Shin Bet leadership

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stunned both the Shin Bet and the wider Israeli public with the unexpected appointment of former navy chief Vice-Admiral (res.) Eli Sharvit as the new head of the security agency.

The appointment, which has taken many by surprise, will not take effect before April 8 due to a petition submitted to the High Court of Justice, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

This may delay the appointment even further.

According to sources within the Shin Bet, Sharvit’s name was completely unknown to most officials within the agency, with many expressing disbelief at Netanyahu’s decision. The PM’s choice marks a significant departure from the usual practice of appointing a deputy Shin Bet chief to the top role. This unconventional move also sees someone from outside the agency, and indeed the IDF ground forces, take the helm.

Netanyahu had previously signalled that the final candidates for the role were senior figures from within the Shin Bet and Mossad, such as former deputy Shin Bet chiefs "M" and Yair "Rolly" Sagi, and former Shin Bet high command official Shalom Ben Hanan. However, Sharvit’s name was never mentioned publicly as a contender.

Sharvit, who served for 36 years in the Israeli Navy, including as its chief of staff from 2014 to 2016 and as commander from 2016 to 2021, is credited with spearheading Israel's maritime defence capabilities. His leadership also saw the successful direction of operations against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.

His recent appointment to IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir's team tasked with reviewing lessons from the October 7 attack raised questions about whether Sharvit would be considered part of the same circle as former IDF chief Herzi Halevi and current Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, both of whom Netanyahu has distanced himself from in recent months.

The PM’s office has expressed confidence that Sharvit is the right person to lead the Shin Bet and continue its proud legacy. However, the High Court will have the final say, potentially allowing Sharvit’s appointment to proceed or blocking it due to ongoing investigations, including the Qatargate probe.

The court could also seek a compromise solution to allow Bar to finish the Qatargate inquiry while facilitating Sharvit’s swift transition into office.

By Aghakazim Guliyev