Why Benjamin Netanyahu is at odds with Israel’s security chief and attorney general

The Israeli cabinet's dismissal of internal security head Ronen Bar, followed by its vote of no confidence in attorney general Gali Baharav-Miara, has triggered a major political row in that country, with protesters taking to the streets against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and scuffling with the police.
While Israel's High Court of Justice, its highest court, has temporarily blocked the sacking of Shin Bet head Bar, the vote against Baharav-Miara is only the first step in the process to dismiss her.
The developments come at a time when the Israeli military has resumed its offensive in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.
What's the controversy?
Earlier this month, Netanyahu sacked Bar, director of Shin Bet since 2021; days later, his cabinet voted unanimously to approve the intelligence head's removal. However, attorney general Baharav-Miara opposed the move and questioned its legality, prompting Netanyahu to "remind" her of the government's "exclusive authority" to fire a Shin Bet chief.
On March 21, hours after the cabinet vote, the High Court of Justice stopped the government's bid to fire Bar; two days later, the Israeli cabinet gave Baharav-Miara its vote of no confidence.
On April 8, the court will hear petitions against the sacking of the security chief.
Why was Bar dismissed?
Netanyahu cites an "ongoing lack of trust" in Bar and has been critical of the Shin Bet over its failure to the prevent Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks, which led to the war in Gaza.
“At all times, but especially in such an existential war, the prime minister must have full confidence in the head of the Shin Bet,” according to the Israeli premier.
Why is Benjamin Netanyahu upset?
Netanyahu's critics allege there are two main reasons behind the dismissal of Bar.
The first, they say, is the latter's criticism of the Israeli government over the "security failure" that allowed the Hamas attack.
The second, the critics claim, is a Shin Bet investigation of Netanyahu's close associates on suspicion of receiving money linked to Qatar.
However, Netanyahu's office has dismissed such accusations as "fake news".
What has Ronen Bar said?
Bar had already accepted responsibility for Shin Bet's failure and indicated he would retire before his term's conclusion, due in 2026. However, responding to Netanyahu's statement on "personal loyalty," he said such an expectation was "fully misguided" and his allegiance was with the Israeli people.
The Shin Bet director also skipped Thursday's cabinet vote but sent a defending his record.