Netanyahu thanks Eli Sharvit for being willing to take the job, but has now informed him that other candidates will be considered for the position, according to Israeli media.
It has been revealed that Eli Sharvit previously wrote a debate article criticizing US President Donald Trump's policy on climate change. Sharvit's public criticism has led Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham to question the appointment.
"There has never been a greater supporter of the state of Israel than President Trump. The statements made by Eli Sharvit about President Trump and his policy will create unnecessary stress at a critical time. My advice to my Israeli friends is to change course and do better vetting", writes Graham on X.
The decision to appoint Sharvit as head of the internal security service Shin Bet was already controversial, following the dismissal of the previous head Ronen Bar earlier in March. Bar and Netanyahu have, among other things, had different opinions on who bears the greater responsibility for Hamas' success in carrying out the bloody terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023.
The decision to dismiss Ronen Bar was voted through in Netanyahu's cabinet, but was temporarily stopped by the country's highest court, which referred to the appeals filed against the dismissal to be examined.
