Israelis have been demonstrating against the action, which many see as part of an effort to reduce checks on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government.
Reporting from Jerusalem
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel convened his cabinet late Thursday to approve the ouster of the head of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency, a move that has further roiled a deeply divided country still at war.
But in a stark challenge to Mr. Netanyahu, the Shin Bet chief, Ronen Bar, refused to attend the nighttime meeting over his dismissal. Instead, he sent a stinging letter addressed to the government stating that the process was illegal and that the prime minister’s motives were “fundamentally flawed.”
The attempt to fire Mr. Bar is likely to be contested in the country’s Supreme Court.
The clash comes just days after Mr. Netanyahu announced his intention to fire Mr. Bar, citing a lack of personal trust between them, prompting street protests in Jerusalem.
It also comes after Israel’s military resumed a deadly campaign in Gaza that has raised concern among many Israelis about the fates of hostages still held in the enclave. Sirens warning of incoming rocket fire from Gaza sent Israelis in the Tel Aviv area running for cover on Thursday for the first time in months.
The Shin Bet is deeply involved in Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, providing intelligence and targets. By law, the agency is also tasked with protecting Israeli democracy.
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