Netanyahu Appoints Ex-Navy Chief Eli Sharvit as New Shin Bet Head

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed former Navy commander Vice-Admiral (res.) Eli Sharvit as the new head of the Shin Bet internal security agency. The announcement, made early Monday morning, shocked political circles and intelligence officials alike, marking the first time in decades that an outsider let alone one from the Navy has been tapped to lead the agency.

Sharvit’s appointment comes at a politically charged moment, following Netanyahu’s push to replace current Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar amid rising tensions between the two men. Bar’s office had launched a probe into alleged financial misconduct by senior Netanyahu aides known as the “Qatargate” affair raising the political stakes of the leadership change.

Though the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) described Sharvit as the right man to “uphold the Shin Bet’s proud legacy,” the appointment has been met with both confusion and backlash. Shin Bet insiders expressed surprise at Sharvit’s selection over traditional candidates, which included top agency veterans like deputy chief “M,” Yair “Rolly” Sagi, and former high-ranking officials from both Shin Bet and Mossad.

Adding to the controversy, Hebrew media revealed that Sharvit had participated in a 2023 protest against judicial reforms potentially alienating key figures in Netanyahu’s coalition. Hours after the appointment, sources close to the prime minister suggested he was considering walking back the decision due to mounting political pressure.

Sharvit, a career naval officer who served 36 years in the IDF, led Israel’s maritime defense expansion and operational efforts against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. He was recently appointed to an external panel advising IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir on post–October 7 reforms, a role he will now step down from.

Legally, Sharvit cannot assume the role until at least April 8, when the High Court of Justice will review a petition challenging Bar’s dismissal. The court could delay or block the transition entirely, especially if the Qatargate investigation remains unresolved.

Bar’s removal has triggered protests across the country, with many viewing it as a threat to Israel’s democratic oversight of security institutions. Netanyahu, however, remains determined to reassert control over the defense establishment, and the appointment of Sharvit despite his outsider status signals a clear break from the traditional Shin Bet leadership pipeline.

Whether the High Court will permit this bold reshuffle, or mandate a compromise, remains to be seen. For now, the battle for Israel’s internal security leadership continues not only in courtrooms, but at the heart of the nation’s political future.

Stay informed on Israel’s key security shifts share this article and subscribe to our newsletter for real-time updates.